Power Antenna Motor

Remove and replace the power antenna motor assembly on a 2017 Maserati Levante, including proper electrical disconnection and mast removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Ensure antenna is in fully retracted position (turn radio off and wait for retraction)
4. Allow vehicle to sit for 5 minutes to ensure all modules are fully asleep before battery disconnect

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment. Using 10mm socket, loosen negative terminal bolt and remove cable from battery post. Secure cable away from battery terminal to prevent accidental reconnection.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear cargo area trim panels
   Open tailgate and fold down rear seats if necessary. Remove right side rear cargo area trim panel by carefully prying out trim clips using panel removal tool. Start from bottom edge and work upward to release approximately 8-10 clips. Set panel aside in safe location.
3. 3

   Access antenna motor location
   Behind the removed trim panel, locate the power antenna motor assembly in the right rear quarter panel cavity. The motor will be mounted vertically with the antenna mast extending upward through the roof channel. Note routing of electrical connector and antenna cable.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna electrical connector
   Locate the multi-pin electrical connector attached to antenna motor. Press release tab and pull connector straight off motor. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if needed.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna cable
   Trace antenna coaxial cable from motor to connection point. Unscrew coaxial cable connector by turning counterclockwise. Support cable to prevent stress on connection during removal.
6. 6

   Remove antenna mast
   From exterior of vehicle, carefully unscrew antenna mast counterclockwise while supporting base. Remove mast completely and inspect nylon drive cable inside for damage or fraying. If drive cable is broken, fragments must be removed from motor housing.
   ⚠Do not pull on mast during removal - only rotate counterclockwise. Pulling can damage internal drive mechanism
7. 7

   Remove motor mounting hardware
   Using Torx T30 bit, remove the mounting bolts securing antenna motor bracket to quarter panel. There are typically 2-3 mounting bolts. Support motor assembly with one hand while removing final bolt to prevent dropping.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove ground strap connection
   Locate ground strap attached to motor mounting bracket. Using 10mm socket, remove ground strap bolt. Clean ground contact surfaces on both strap and body with wire brush or sandpaper to ensure good electrical connection during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Extract antenna motor assembly
   Carefully guide antenna motor assembly out of quarter panel cavity, being mindful of sharp metal edges. Maneuver assembly through access opening while routing electrical connector and cables through. Inspect mounting location for any debris or water damage.
10. 10

    Install new antenna motor
    Position new antenna motor assembly into quarter panel cavity, aligning motor with mounting holes. Ensure ground strap is positioned correctly between bracket and body panel. Thread mounting bolts by hand first to confirm proper alignment before tightening.
    ℹ️Apply thin coat of dielectric grease to ground contact surfaces before installation to prevent corrosion
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

    Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect antenna cable and electrical
    Reconnect coaxial antenna cable by threading clockwise until hand tight, then snug an additional 1/8 turn. Connect multi-pin electrical connector to motor, ensuring positive click engagement. Verify connector lock tab is fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install antenna mast
    From vehicle exterior, thread new or original antenna mast clockwise into motor base. Tighten until mast is secure and sits flush with base gasket. Do not overtighten as this can damage threads or motor mechanism.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Turn radio on and verify antenna extends fully. Turn radio off and verify antenna retracts completely. Listen for smooth motor operation without grinding or hesitation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall right rear cargo trim panel by aligning clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage
2. Verify all trim panels are properly seated with no gaps or misalignment
3. Test antenna operation multiple times to confirm consistent performance
4. If radio requires security code, enter code per owner's manual instructions

Verification

• With ignition on, turn radio on and verify antenna extends smoothly to full height within 5-7 seconds
• Turn radio off and verify antenna retracts fully and motor stops automatically
• Check for any abnormal noise during extension or retraction cycles
• Verify radio reception quality matches pre-repair performance
• Inspect antenna mast for secure mounting and proper seal at base
• Confirm no water leaks around antenna base after car wash or rain

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