Disabling the power antenna

In freezing temperatures the power antenna on my '94 Accord LX is
often stuck because of the plastic strip that moves the antenna telescop
is just not able to handle the extra friction. Since I still want to use
my mp3 player through the radios FM band under those conditions, I'd
like to splice in a toggle switch in the line that sends the "radio-on"
signal to the antenna servo.
From what I see in the wiring diagram, the servo motor gets both a
constant +12V voltage and a "radio-on" 12V (?) on two separate lines (in
addition of Ground) and from that I gather that the radio-on voltage
supplies low signal power only to a relay that then applies the constant
12V power to the motor. So, it's pretty obvious that the toggle switch
should be installed serially in the radio-on line. What is not obvious
to me is from the wiring diagram just where the best place in that line
would be because I can't see where that line originates under the
dashboard. Has any of you installed such a switch and can lend me a hand
in this?

Rudy

 

Another thing others have done is to wipe the antenna (while it is extended)
with silicone spray on a cloth. It may not do the job for you, but it is
easy to try... once you get the darned thing extended!

Mike

 

One solution is to replace the antenna with an inexpensive manual
aftermarket antenna.....costs about $12. They are easy to install,
easier than installing a switch in the dash..
Keep the automatic antenna, then in the springtime reinstall it.
I have installed the automatic antenna in a Saab, a switch in a Datsun
and now both my present cars have manual antennas.

 

Radio Shack makes a teflon lube gel that works in VERY low temps.
Silicone spray doesn't last.

 

Great! Thanks, Jim.

Mike

 

I looked for it at a local Radio Shack store and what I found was
something called "All-Purpose Lube Gel" but there was no indication on
the tube that it contained teflon. However, from its general properties,
I suspected that was it and bought a tube. Sure enough, on the receipt
it was described as "Lube Gel w teflon," so I figured I got that one
right. Too bad that not even their Web page mentions teflon at:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F001%5F006%5F000&product%5Fid=64%2D2326

The above Web address is supposed to be a single line, BTW.

Anyway, thanks for the tip, Jim, I'll try it. If this does not do the
job at cold temps, I still might install an SPDT switch in the antenna
trigger line, so it would allow normal, always retracted and always
extracted antenna operation. The latter one by applying the battery
voltage to the trigger wire in place of the radio-on signal.

Rudy

 

Have the same problem with my '98 accord...
found a solution to if one removes the radio you will see a white wire that
goes to the radio
if you disconect it the antenna will not work anymore...
maybe this helps....