electrical

Power Antenna Motor

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

⚠Disconnect battery negative terminal before beginning work to prevent electrical shorts and module damage

ℹ️The power antenna motor is located behind the right rear interior trim panel on all F-150 crew cab and SuperCrew models

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Trim panel removal toolsEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Flashlight or work light

Metric wrench set

Parts

Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Antenna mast (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Ensure ignition is off and remove key from ignition
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
Open right rear door for access to interior trim panels

Procedure

1
Remove right rear door sill trim plate
Using trim panel tools, carefully pry up the right rear door sill trim plate. Start at one end and work across to release the retaining clips. Lift the plate away from the door sill.
2
Remove right rear quarter trim panel lower section
Locate and remove any visible screws securing the lower quarter trim panel. Use trim tools to carefully release the retaining clips along the edges. Pull the panel away from the body, disconnecting any electrical connectors if present.
3
Access antenna motor mounting location
With the trim panel removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the body near the rear wheel well area. Use a flashlight to inspect the mounting configuration and electrical connection.
4
Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
Press the locking tab on the antenna motor electrical connector and pull straight away from the motor. Ensure the connector is completely separated and positioned out of the work area.
5
Disconnect antenna cable from motor
Locate where the antenna mast cable connects to the motor assembly. Release the cable retaining clip or fastener and carefully disconnect the cable from the motor drive mechanism. Note the routing for reinstallation.
6
Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor to the body. There are typically 2-3 bolts depending on the bracket configuration. Support the motor while removing the final bolt.
7
Remove antenna motor assembly
Carefully extract the antenna motor assembly from the mounting location, maneuvering it past any surrounding components. Take note of any grommets or insulators that should be transferred to the new motor.
8
Install new antenna motor assembly
Position the new antenna motor in the mounting location, ensuring any grommets or insulators are properly seated. Align the mounting holes with the body mounting points.
9
Install antenna motor mounting bolts
Thread in the mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten them evenly in a cross pattern to ensure proper seating of the motor assembly.
10
Connect antenna cable to motor
Route the antenna mast cable to the motor following the original path. Connect the cable to the motor drive mechanism and secure with the retaining clip. Ensure the cable moves freely without binding.
11
Reconnect antenna motor electrical connector
Align the electrical connector with the motor connector and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
12
Reinstall interior trim panels
Reconnect any electrical connectors to the quarter trim panel. Position the panel against the body and press firmly to engage all retaining clips. Install any screws that were removed. Reinstall the door sill trim plate by pressing down along its length to engage clips.
13
Reconnect battery and test operation
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position and test antenna operation by turning the radio on and off. The antenna should extend and retract smoothly.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all trim panels are securely fastened with all clips properly engaged
Verify the antenna mast extends fully and retracts completely without binding
Check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked

Verification

Turn radio on and verify antenna extends fully to its uppermost position
Turn radio off and verify antenna retracts completely into housing
Listen for unusual grinding or clicking noises during operation that might indicate improper installation
Verify all interior trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose clips
Test antenna reception by tuning to known local stations

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