'87 Fifth Avenue - Power Antenna = Dead

I have a 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue that I just purchased. 103k miles, very
well taken care of and it shows.

It has a (factory) silver-faced digital stereo with cassette deck, rear
amplifier package, and a power antenna. The stereo works fine, the rear amp
works fine, but the power antenna is not responsive.

I have noticed there is a slight click, like a relay switching, over at the
power antenna location in the fender when I switch the stereo on or off, but
that's it.

I manually moved the power antenna down a bit and found the plastic drive
cable is still intact and the motor is NOT seized. I could hear the sound
of the motor turning, although it was being turned by my force and not it's
own.

Is the motor shot anyhow (bad brushes or the like)? Or perhaps just bad
wiring or a bad relay?

Is there any way to get to the motor unit other than removing the passenger
door and hinges?!

Thanks,
-Steve

 

There should be a fuse for the power antenna. Is it OK?

 

Well, unless it actually has a circuit breaker and not a fuse, all fuses in
the fuse panel check out. Didn't see any particular one labeled power
antenna, and so I removed each one and tested it for continuity with a DMM.
All were fine. I didn't test the items in there I assume are either relays
or circuit breakers.

Is it possible to remove the power antenna unit and check it out? It looks
like I'd have to remove the door and hinges! Yikes.

I'm quickly beginning to think I need to settle with the antenna stuck UP
all of the time. ;-)

Thanks
-Steve

 

Steve

but the power antenna is not responsive.

Usual problem here is a broken, notched plastic tape, in the power antenna
unit. The unit can usually be removed through an access panel in the right side
fenderwell.
Bob AZ