Replace the power antenna motor assembly on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150, which controls the automatic extension and retraction of the radio antenna mast.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna motor grommet (if deteriorated) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to ON position and radio ON to fully retract antenna mast, then turn OFF
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Ensure you have radio security code if applicable before disconnecting battery

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear fender area
   Open the rear passenger door on the right side of the vehicle. The power antenna motor is located inside the rear fender area behind the rear wheel well. You will need to access it from inside the cab area near the rear seat.
2. 2

   Remove rear interior trim panel
   Use trim panel removal tools to carefully pry off the rear interior side trim panel on the right side. Start at the bottom rear corner and work upward, releasing the plastic retaining clips. Pull the panel away gently to access the antenna motor mounting area behind it.
3. 3

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the power antenna motor. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if needed.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna cable from motor
   Locate where the antenna cable (coaxial cable from the radio) connects to the base of the antenna motor housing. Unscrew the coaxial cable connector by turning counterclockwise. Support the motor housing while disconnecting to prevent stress on the mounting points.
5. 5

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the fender bracket. There are typically 3 bolts in a triangular pattern. Keep track of any washers or spacers. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract antenna motor assembly
   Carefully pull the antenna motor assembly downward and inward through the fender opening. The antenna mast and cable should come with it as a complete unit. If there is resistance, ensure the mast is fully retracted and all fasteners are removed. Avoid pulling on the mast itself.
   ⚠Do not pull on the antenna mast directly as this can separate it from the drive cable inside the motor housing.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting area
   Inspect the fender mounting hole and rubber grommet for damage, cracks, or deterioration. Check for water intrusion or corrosion around the mounting surface. Clean the mounting surface with a shop towel and remove any debris or old sealant.
8. 8

   Prepare new antenna motor
   Remove the new antenna motor from packaging. Verify the antenna mast is fully retracted into the motor housing. Install a new grommet if the original is damaged. Ensure the mounting bracket orientation matches the original component.
9. 9

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Guide the new antenna motor assembly up through the fender opening, positioning the mast through the fender hole. Align the mounting bracket holes with the fender bracket. Ensure the rubber grommet seats properly in the fender opening to prevent water leaks.
10. 10

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Hand-thread all three mounting bolts with any original washers or spacers. Tighten bolts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to 31 Nm (23 lb-ft). Verify the motor housing sits flush against the mounting bracket and does not rotate freely.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect antenna cable and power
    Thread the coaxial cable connector onto the antenna motor base, turning clockwise until hand-tight (do not use pliers). Connect the electrical connector to the motor, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Position the rear interior trim panel back into place. Press firmly on each clip location to seat the retaining clips. Ensure all clips are fully engaged and the panel sits flush without gaps or rattles.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Tighten the battery terminal bolt to 6 Nm (4 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal or battery post.
    ⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolts as this can crack the battery post or strip the terminal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all interior trim panels are properly seated with no loose clips
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the fender cavity
3. Check that antenna mast extends and retracts smoothly without binding

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
• Turn radio ON and verify antenna mast extends fully and smoothly
• Turn radio OFF and verify antenna mast retracts fully into housing
• Cycle the antenna 3-4 times to ensure consistent operation
• Check for proper radio reception on AM and FM bands
• Inspect around fender opening for water leaks after next rain or car wash
• Verify no unusual motor noise during extension or retraction cycles

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