Electric aerial.

[TheRam]

Hello all.

I have a problem with my electric aerial as it won't retract (1990 e30 saloon).

It's been working fine but now won't budge from it's maximum height.

Does it have it's own fuse?

Needs sorting before some kid bends it...

Thanks

Kit

[thisisWasim]

Hello.

Mine stopped working, and I replaced the fuse which is same one as the cigarette lighter?

Hope that helps

[Speedtouch]

Fuse 28, according to the Wiki:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Fuse_Box

[Sharpy]

I've just gone through similar pain with my cigar lighter.. Fuse 28 does the radio, cigar lighter (unless a PO has rewired it for you to fuse 16 ) heater blower and the aerial. If your radio and cigar lighter work its not the fuse.

[Speedtouch]

If it's a Hirschmann, you can buy most of the replacement parts to put it right.

[TheRam]

Thanks.

But the heater and radio work so may not be the fuse?

Any other quick fix suggestions?

Kit

[Speedtouch]

You could try applying WD40 or PlusGas penetrating fluid to all the mast sections, let it soak in for a while then gently push the mast down; it's not uncommon for them to become corroded if left raised for a long time.

Also, check the connections are secure (including the earth), and if you have a multimeter or test lamp, ensure that the aerial is getting a permanent live (+12V) feed and a switched one from the head unit.

[Laith]

Check the white wire at the back of the radio.

If that's fine, pull back the lining in the boot and check it's all connected. Failing that check it all with a multimeter. Should be a constant live, ground and switched live (white wire)

Failing that, take the motor out and apart and the guide plastic toothed wire that runs on the cogs might be jammed and needs untangling. I cut a hole for the wire I come out of the unit rather than coiling up inside it and tangling again.

[Laith]

Also mine had a blown resistor between constant live and the motor that needed replacing. Worth checking all connections inside the motor when apart.