Replacement of the roof-mounted radio antenna mast assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte, including removal of headliner trim and disconnection of antenna cable.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off
2. Allow antenna mast to cool if vehicle was recently driven in direct sunlight
3. Clean area around antenna base on roof to prevent debris from entering vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior dome light trim
   Carefully pry down the front dome light lens cover using a trim removal tool. Work from one end and release the retaining clips. Lower the dome light assembly enough to access the headliner.
2. 2

   Lower headliner at antenna location
   Gently pull down the headliner material near the antenna mounting location in the center-rear of the roof. You only need 4-6 inches of clearance to access the antenna nut and cable connection. Support the headliner with one hand to prevent excessive sagging.
3. 3

   Disconnect antenna cable
   Locate the coaxial antenna cable connector on top of the antenna base. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight down to disconnect. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove antenna mounting nut
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single mounting nut securing the antenna base to the roof. Hold the antenna mast from the outside if it begins to spin. Keep the nut and any washers in a safe place.
5. 5

   Remove antenna assembly from roof
   From outside the vehicle, carefully lift and twist the antenna mast assembly to remove it from the roof mounting hole. Remove the rubber gasket/seal from the base and inspect for damage.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the roof mounting surface around the antenna hole with a clean cloth. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or corrosion. Ensure the surface is dry before installing the new antenna.
7. 7

   Install new antenna assembly
   Place the new gasket/seal onto the base of the new antenna assembly. Insert the antenna base through the roof mounting hole from outside. Ensure the gasket seats properly against the roof paint to prevent water leaks.
8. 8

   Secure antenna mounting nut
   From inside the vehicle, thread the mounting nut onto the antenna base by hand. Tighten to 8.0 Nm (6 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can crack the antenna base or distort the roof panel.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect antenna cable
   Push the coaxial antenna cable connector onto the base of the antenna assembly until it clicks into place. Ensure the connection is fully seated and the cable routing matches the original path.
10. 10

    Reinstall headliner and dome light
    Push the headliner material back into its original position, ensuring it seats properly around all edges. Reinstall the dome light assembly and snap the lens cover back into place, ensuring all clips engage.

Reassembly

1. Verify headliner is properly seated with no sagging or gaps
2. Ensure antenna mast is vertical and tight with no play at the base
3. Check that gasket is properly sealed around antenna base to prevent water intrusion

Verification

• Turn on radio and test AM/FM reception on multiple stations to confirm proper antenna connection
• Gently attempt to wiggle antenna mast to verify it is securely tightened
• Inspect roof exterior around antenna base for proper gasket seal
• Check headliner inside vehicle for proper alignment and no visible gaps or damage

More procedures for this vehicle