Remove and replace the power antenna motor assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including mast removal and electrical connections.

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 to ACC position and turn radio on to fully retract antenna mast, then turn off
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal
4. Allow antenna motor to cool if vehicle was recently operated with radio on

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the terminal to prevent accidental contact during the repair.
   Torque spec

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

   Access antenna motor location
   The power antenna motor is located on the right rear fender area, accessible from inside the cargo bed. On crew cab models, it may be necessary to remove or fold back the rear seat to access the interior fender panel. Remove any cargo bed liner or panels obstructing access to the right rear fender well area.
3. 3

   Remove antenna mast
   From the exterior, carefully unscrew the antenna mast by turning it counterclockwise. The mast should be fully retracted before removal. If it does not unscrew easily, do not force it as the internal nylon cable may be binding. Continue to unscrew slowly while gently pulling upward until the mast and attached nylon cable are completely removed from the motor housing.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the base of the antenna motor assembly. Press the connector release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
5. 5

   Remove antenna motor drain tube
   Locate the rubber drain tube attached to the bottom of the antenna motor housing. This tube prevents water accumulation in the motor assembly. Carefully pull the drain tube off the motor housing nipple and note its orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using a 13mm socket with extension, remove the three mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the fender. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully lower the motor assembly and guide it through the fender opening, being mindful of the coaxial cable connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect coaxial antenna cable
   At the base of the removed motor assembly, locate the coaxial cable connection. Unscrew the coaxial cable connector by turning counterclockwise. Inspect the cable end and motor connection point for corrosion or damage. Set the old motor assembly aside.
8. 8

   Prepare new antenna motor assembly
   Remove the new antenna motor from packaging and verify it matches the original unit. Check that the motor gear mechanism moves freely by gently rotating the gear teeth. Ensure the new motor includes all necessary gaskets and seals. Apply a light coat of dielectric grease to the coaxial cable threads and electrical connector.
9. 9

   Install new antenna motor assembly
   Connect the coaxial cable to the new motor assembly by threading it on clockwise until hand-tight. Do not overtighten. Guide the motor assembly up through the fender opening and align the mounting holes. Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the gasket.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect drain tube and electrical connector
    Push the drain tube firmly onto the motor housing nipple, ensuring it is fully seated and oriented downward for proper drainage. Connect the electrical connector to the motor until it clicks into place. Gently tug the connector to verify it is securely latched.
11. 11

    Install antenna mast
    Feed the nylon cable from the new antenna mast into the motor housing opening while slowly turning the mast clockwise. The motor gears will automatically grip the nylon cable teeth. Continue threading the mast clockwise while feeding the cable until the mast base is snug against the motor housing. Do not overtighten as this can damage the nylon cable.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery post. Turn the ignition to ACC position and turn the radio on. Observe the antenna extending fully. Turn the radio off and verify the antenna retracts completely. Test multiple times to ensure smooth operation without binding or unusual noise.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any cargo bed panels, liners, or interior trim removed during access
2. Verify antenna mast is properly seated and does not wobble
3. Check that drain tube is not kinked or obstructed

Verification

• Turn radio on and off multiple times to verify antenna extends and retracts fully without binding
• Listen for smooth motor operation without grinding, clicking, or excessive noise
• Verify antenna stops automatically at full extension and full retraction
• Check radio reception quality with antenna fully extended
• Inspect antenna base seal for proper seating and no water intrusion paths
• Verify drain tube is properly positioned and not leaking

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