Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including disconnecting the battery and accessing the antenna assembly from the trunk area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda replacement
• Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Honda OEM trim clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Open trunk and remove any cargo or items blocking left rear interior panel access
4. Ensure radio is turned off before disconnecting battery

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine bay. Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery terminal and secure it away from the battery post. Wait at least 3 minutes for the electrical system to discharge.
   Torque spec

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

   Access left rear trunk area
   From inside the trunk, locate the left rear interior trim panel. This panel covers the area where the antenna motor is mounted. Identify all trim clips and fasteners securing the panel.
3. 3

   Remove trunk interior trim panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the trim panel clips starting from the bottom edge and working upward. Pull the panel away gently to avoid breaking clips. Set the panel aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Locate and inspect antenna motor assembly
   With the trim panel removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the body panel. Note the electrical connector position and the antenna mast cable routing. Inspect the mounting area for any corrosion or damage.
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull the connector away from the antenna motor. Ensure no wires are damaged during removal. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body panel. Typically there are 3-4 bolts. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   Carefully withdraw the antenna motor assembly from its mounting location. Guide the antenna mast cable through the body opening as you remove the unit. Be careful not to damage the antenna mast or cable during removal.
8. 8

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Position the new antenna motor assembly into the mounting location. Ensure the antenna mast cable is properly routed through the body opening and the motor sits flush against the mounting surface. Align all mounting bolt holes.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Install all antenna motor mounting bolts hand-tight first. Once all bolts are started, use a torque wrench to tighten them to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating of the motor assembly.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the antenna motor connector and push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked.
11. 11

    Reinstall trunk trim panel
    Position the trunk interior trim panel back into place. Align all clips with their respective holes and press firmly to seat each clip. Ensure the panel is flush and all edges are properly secured.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Return to the engine bay and reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal. Tighten the battery terminal bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the connection is clean and secure.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panels are fully seated with no gaps or loose clips
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the trunk area
3. Check that the antenna mast moves freely without obstruction

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and observe antenna mast extending fully to its raised position
• Turn ignition OFF and verify antenna mast retracts completely into the body
• Cycle the antenna several times to ensure smooth operation without unusual noises
• Test radio reception to confirm proper antenna function
• Verify no error messages or warning lights on instrument cluster

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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