Saab Tech Tips
Saab Antenna Mast Maintenance
By Don Andrews, Andrews Inc. of Princeton
Problem: Antenna Mast Maintenance
Symptom: Antenna mast does not retract or extend all the way
This repair is approved by Andrews Inc. of Princeton.
The Repair
Winter weather conditions are very hard on power antennas. Road spray, ice, and many other winter driving hazards make keeping a power antenna in working order a real challenge in many parts of the country. Here are a few tips that might help keep your power antenna mast in working order without constant investment on your part.
First of all, never ignore the situation when the mast does not retract all the way. The best defense is a good offense. Even if you can do nothing else at that time, at least carefully push the mast fully down with your hand so that it doesn't receive further abuse and possible damage. When you have a few minutes to give to the situation, turn the radio on and get the mast fully extended, then give it a thorough cleaning with a dry rag. Before you turn the radio off, apply a generous coating of a penetrating lubricant (WD-40, JB-80, etc). This should loosen up each section so that it will fully retract. If it doesn't cooperate at first, continue to run the antenna up and down (by turning the radio on and off) giving it some manual assistance until it works on its own. If you take note once in a while whether or not the antenna is moving fully up and down, you should be able to head off complete seizure of the section or someone coming along and breaking it off!
Also don't forget to turn the radio off before you enter the car wash. On some models this also means tapes and CD's.
Happy listening!
February 1998 Service Bulletin