Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with power antenna systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna mounting gasket × 1 — Included with motor assembly or order separately

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts
4. If equipped with rear bench seat, flip seat bottom forward to access rear panel area
5. Allow any hot components to cool if vehicle was recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench or socket. Move the cable away from the battery post and secure it so it cannot make contact during the repair.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access rear interior panel
   From inside the cab, locate the right rear interior trim panel behind the rear seat. On crew cab models, this is behind the right rear door. Remove any cargo management items or tie-downs that may obstruct panel access.
3. 3

   Remove interior trim panel
   Carefully remove the right rear interior trim panel by releasing the plastic retaining clips. Start at the bottom edge and work upward. Use trim removal tools if necessary to avoid breaking clips. Set panel aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Locate power antenna motor
   With the panel removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the body sheet metal. The antenna mast extends upward through the body to the exterior. Note the routing of the electrical connector and antenna cable before removal.
5. 5

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight away from the antenna motor. If connector is corroded or tight, spray with electrical contact cleaner and allow to penetrate before removal. Do not pull on wires.
6. 6

   Disconnect antenna cable
   Unthread the coaxial antenna cable from the base of the motor assembly by turning counterclockwise. Support the motor while removing the cable to prevent damage to the mounting.
7. 7

   Remove mounting hardware
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the power antenna motor to the body panel. There are typically three mounting bolts arranged in a triangular pattern. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Extract antenna motor assembly
   Carefully withdraw the antenna motor assembly from the mounting location. The antenna mast will retract as you pull the motor assembly out. Guide the mast through the body opening carefully to avoid bending or damaging it. Remove the old mounting gasket if present.
9. 9

   Prepare new antenna motor
   Inspect the new power antenna motor for shipping damage. Install the new mounting gasket onto the motor base. Ensure the antenna mast is fully retracted before installation. Test the motor briefly by connecting the electrical connector and battery, cycling the ignition to verify motor operation, then disconnect battery again before final installation.
10. 10

    Install new antenna motor
    Guide the antenna mast through the body opening from inside the cab. Align the mounting holes with the body panel. Ensure the gasket is properly seated between the motor base and body. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening to ensure proper alignment.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect antenna cable and electrical connector
    Thread the coaxial antenna cable onto the motor base and tighten hand-tight, then an additional quarter turn with fingers. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place securely.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to start) and turn the radio on. The antenna should extend fully. Turn the radio off and verify the antenna retracts completely. Test multiple cycles to confirm proper operation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the right rear interior trim panel, ensuring all retaining clips are properly seated
2. Return the rear seat to its normal position if it was moved
3. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from the vehicle interior
4. Test antenna operation one final time with radio on and off cycles

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and turn radio on - antenna should extend fully within 5-10 seconds
• Turn radio off - antenna should retract completely within 5-10 seconds
• Listen for smooth motor operation without grinding or unusual noises
• Verify antenna mast is fully seated when retracted with no visible gaps
• Check radio reception quality on AM and FM bands to confirm proper antenna connection
• Inspect interior panel fit and verify all clips are properly engaged

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