Replace the power antenna motor assembly on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD, restoring automatic antenna extension and retraction functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Antenna motor gasket/seal × 1 — Usually included with motor assembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
4. Ensure radio is off and antenna is not actively moving
5. Have a container ready for small fasteners and clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear cargo area trim panels
   Open the rear liftgate. Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the rear passenger-side cargo area trim panel. Start at the bottom edge and work upward, releasing the plastic clips. Remove the trim panel to expose the antenna motor mounting area in the rear quarter panel cavity.
2. 2

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Locate the antenna motor electrical connector attached to the motor housing. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle while applying steady pulling pressure.
   ⚠Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage - clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary before reinstallation
3. 3

   Disconnect antenna cable from motor
   The antenna mast cable connects to the motor drive mechanism. Carefully pull the antenna cable connector from the motor housing. Note the routing and position of the cable for reinstallation. If the mast is extended, the cable will have tension on it.
4. 4

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the three mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the vehicle body. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. Note the position of any grounding straps or brackets attached to these bolts.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   Carefully extract the antenna motor assembly from the mounting hole in the quarter panel. Angle the assembly as needed to maneuver it through the opening. The antenna mast will come out with the motor. Inspect the mounting surface gasket/seal and remove any old gasket material remaining on the vehicle body.
6. 6

   Prepare new antenna motor for installation
   Unpack the new antenna motor assembly and verify it matches the original unit. Install the new gasket/seal onto the motor housing base. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in its groove. Check that the antenna mast is fully retracted into the new motor - if not, briefly connect power to cycle it down before installation.
   ℹ️Some replacement motors come pre-lubricated; do not add additional lubricant unless specified by manufacturer
7. 7

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Position the new antenna motor assembly into the quarter panel mounting hole, ensuring the gasket seats properly against the body. Align the mounting bolt holes. The antenna mast should extend through the roof opening. Insert all three mounting bolts finger-tight before final torquing.
8. 8

   Torque antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the three antenna motor mounting bolts in a star pattern to ensure even gasket compression and proper sealing. Verify the motor housing sits flush against the body panel with no gaps.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect antenna cable and electrical connector
   Connect the antenna mast cable to the motor drive mechanism, ensuring it seats fully and locks into place. Route the cable as originally positioned. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, pressing firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug to verify secure connection.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and test antenna operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position without starting the engine. Turn the radio on and verify the antenna extends fully and smoothly. Turn the radio off and verify the antenna retracts completely. Listen for any unusual grinding or clicking noises during operation.
    ⚠If antenna does not operate properly, immediately turn off radio and recheck all connections before cycling again
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall cargo area trim panel
    Position the rear cargo area trim panel back into place. Align all clips with their mounting holes. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Verify the panel is flush and secure with no loose areas or gaps.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim clips are fully seated and trim panel is secure
2. Verify antenna mast extends and retracts smoothly without binding
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the cargo area cavity
4. Test radio reception to confirm antenna electrical connection is functioning properly

Verification

• Turn radio on and verify antenna extends fully to its proper height
• Turn radio off and confirm antenna fully retracts flush with roof
• Check for any water leaks around antenna base after car wash or rain
• Verify no abnormal noises during antenna operation
• Confirm radio reception quality is normal across all bands (AM/FM/Satellite if equipped)

More procedures for this vehicle