chrysler kid

I purchased a replacement antenna, well the factory one is pressed into the dash frame support. I have damaged the antenna cable, as it will not budge because the line is pinched in atleast two non visible places.

The cable and mast are disconnected, however it is pinched and the cable has no slack as it is pinched into the dash frame

Yes it is,
yes I'm sure it is the antenna cable
There is no "give" when pulling or pushing the cable from either end.
I have tried to pry apart where the dash frame is pressed around the antenna cable, there is still no slack as it is likely pinched elsewhere as well.

So if I keep pulling the antenna cable it will fray more and break, in either direction. Leaving me no route to push it back through.

1996 civic hx, dome light functions without a jumper with an aftermarket radio. Likely a production defect

The dash harness has QC inspector pen scribblings on the loom stickers, as well as chassis qc markings (likely failed some tests)

My question. Would it be wise to drill a new hole at the bottom of the a pillar to feed the new antenna plug out of. Currently the factory antenna has no functionality as it is just static on all stations

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

Sounds like a great question for Ron

Former User

I'm as stumped as you are.

OP - Any new information gained by removing the interior trim from the pillar?

chrysler kid

I have the mast removed from the roof, it will come out about 6 inches before it is completely tight

The interior:
I have removed the kick panel
I have removed the lower dash panel
there is a connection from the antenna that is the male, and female portion that goes back to the radio.

When I unplug the male and female connection which is located directly behind the coin slot/ mirror button I can feel it back into the physical frame support where there is a gap. I have wedged the gap open in hopes that is was simply kinked or looped, however it feeds back up into the frame for the dash.

The female end feeds back to the radio

It probably wouldn't do any good to post a picture but I can if needed.

I have looked at the eg diy and mine does not feed into a hole

So my last resort tomorrow morning is going to be to drill a hole in the bottom of the a pillar to feed back into the cabin.

Wasn't really directing the question at ron per say, but wondering if my idea to drill a hole is decent

Former User

chrysler kid

No. The a pillar only reveals what I believe to be the dome light wiring.

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

i remember a thread years ago about removing the antenna to clean rust off the contacts for better reception..

It shows a way to remove the antenna..

Do a search for better reception or something similar.. I cant remember the site it was on, but it was a DIY

chrysler kid

I have not searched club civic yet but no thread on ht.

The best answer I found was mentioning to lubricate the wire from the top of the mast down the pillar. I will report back as I tackle this on my lunch break but that seems like a logical fix

Didn't have a chance to play with it much but the antenna cable was dry and the lubricant all came out under the car

There was some lubricant coming into the passengers compartment but I have not had a chance to investigate where

ejv8s10

Since it is likely the old cable will not come out easy: Why not attempt to run a new feed wire where you can pull the new cable up (or down) the pillar.
I did this successfully on a CRX with a pinched cable.

1Digger

I just replaced mine on my 94, and it was a pain. There is a rubber boot in the door jamb, actually it's behind the fender, but you can reach it. Pull this away from it's seat and you will be able to stick your finger through the hole into the interior of the car, where the antenna cable makes it's turn under the dash. I also unbolted the cruise control controller under the dash for more room. I was able to use a metal fish tape, from the interior on the floor, up the A pillar to where the mast is. It took some time and patience, but I was able to then tape the new antenna lead to the fish tape and pull it back through. I don't have any pictures, but I hope this helps.

Former User

Sounds promising.

chrysler kid

It's a good tip, but am I going to need to remove the fender liner to get to the grommet on the chassis. I was not able to feel any antenna cabling inside the cabin besides the line going into the dash support frame. Even behind the frame I can not feel any cable

chrysler kid

Bad picture but shows the pinch and routing

chrysler kid

Yeah so I broke the end off the cable shortly after the picture, then used pliers to pull the mast and broke the wire off the bottom of that. I used a coat hanger to push the new antenna through correctly and now my radio works. Still couldn't get the old antenna cable out oh well

Former User

Glad you fixed it.

chrysler kid

The hardest part was breaking the cable. In the cabin it just fell off, but on the mast in the pillar it ended up just ripping itself out of the mast.

For the record there is alot of room in the pillar so do not be worried about leaving the old wire in there.

Feeding the cable back into the cabin was easy, I use a coat hanger to guide the path, then tied or taped string to the coat hanger to pull back up to attach to the antenna cable.

So pulling the string back through was simple even going past wherever my snags were

Former User

EsotericImage

iTrader: (8)

Hmmphh.. this has been on my list as i have poor radio reception since i bought the car..

Well thx for the update, one of these years ill attempt it

chrysler kid

Radio reception has not improved. I can push the antenna down now so there's that...... I bought a new 9ne just because I found it new for $10