Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and radio off to ensure antenna is fully retracted
3. Open trunk and ensure adequate lighting for work area
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt and remove the cable from the battery post. Secure the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental reconnection.
   Torque spec

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

   Access trunk interior panel
   Open the trunk fully. Locate the right rear trunk interior trim panel where the antenna motor is mounted behind the panel on the passenger side rear quarter panel.
3. 3

   Remove trunk trim panel
   Using a trim panel removal tool or your hands, carefully pop out the plastic clips securing the right rear trunk trim panel. Remove any visible Phillips screws if present. Gently pull the panel away from the body to access the antenna motor assembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the antenna motor assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the motor. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna cable
   Unscrew or unclip the antenna cable from the base of the motor assembly. The cable connects to the radio head unit and should be carefully noted for proper reconnection.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body. Typically there are 2-3 bolts holding the motor bracket to the quarter panel. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   Carefully withdraw the antenna motor assembly from the mounting location, guiding the antenna mast through the body opening. The mast should pull through with the motor. If resistance is felt, check that the mast is fully retracted and no obstructions are present.
8. 8

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Guide the new antenna motor assembly into position, carefully feeding the antenna mast through the body opening. Ensure the mounting bracket aligns with the bolt holes and that any rubber grommets are properly seated.
9. 9

   Install antenna motor mounting bolts
   Thread in the mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the motor assembly is firmly seated against the body with no gaps.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect antenna cable and electrical connector
    Reconnect the antenna cable to the base of the motor assembly, ensuring it clicks or threads securely. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, pressing firmly until the locking tab clicks into place.
11. 11

    Reinstall trunk trim panel
    Position the trunk trim panel back onto the body, aligning all clip locations. Press firmly on each clip location until they snap into place. Install any Phillips screws that were removed, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal cable to the battery post. Torque the terminal bolt to specification, being careful not to overtighten.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Verify all trunk trim panels are fully seated with no loose clips
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the trunk area

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position and turn the radio on to verify antenna extends fully
• Turn the radio off and verify antenna retracts completely
• Test radio reception on AM and FM bands to confirm proper antenna function
• Check for any unusual noise during antenna extension and retraction cycles
• Verify trunk trim panel is secure with no rattles

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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