>My power antenna won't go up. I hear a clicking sound from the unit but
>nothing happens. Are there rebuild parts available or is there some
>kind of fix I can perform?

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Need Mercedes parts? http://parts.mbz.org
Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home pages: http://rs79.vrx.net
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net
> >My power antenna won't go up. I hear a clicking sound from the unit but
> >nothing happens. Are there rebuild parts available or is there some
> >kind of fix I can perform?
>
> Yeah you just get a new antenna. The plastic gear thingy inside has broken
> in yours. They do that at this age. Replacements aren't too expensive.
My original Hirschman is 26 years old and running fine. All I;ve
done is replace the mast once because the plastic cable had worn out
and clean/lube it. And the generic replacements aren't perfect either.
For example, you lose the ability for the dash switch to control the
antenna height on the MB models that have that control. Now, that's
not exactly the end of the world, but I'd prefer not to wind up with a
dash switch that is there but no longer does anything, unless it was
necessary.
> --
> Need Mercedes parts? http://parts.mbz.org
> Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org
> 1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home pages: http://rs79.vrx.net
> 633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net
Richard Sexton - 19 Aug 2006 04:22 GMT
>> >My power antenna won't go up. I hear a clicking sound from the unit but
>> >nothing happens. Are there rebuild parts available or is there some
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>dash switch that is there but no longer does anything, unless it was
>necessary.
There's generic replacements? I've replaced mine once and the switch still
does what it's supposed to.

Signature
Need Mercedes parts? http://parts.mbz.org
Richard Sexton | Mercedes stuff: http://mbz.org
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Home pages: http://rs79.vrx.net
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | http://aquaria.net http://killi.net
trader4@optonline.net - 19 Aug 2006 15:20 GMT
> >> >My power antenna won't go up. I hear a clicking sound from the unit but
> >> >nothing happens. Are there rebuild parts available or is there some
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> There's generic replacements? I've replaced mine once and the switch still
> does what it's supposed to.
When I was looking into this a couple years ago for my 1980 300SD there
definitely were generic Hirschman replacements that fit many cars. But
as I recall, they came with different wiring connectors, the dash
switch that controlled it no longer worked, there were multiple fender
angle adaptors to fit diff models, etc. I'm not sure if a 100% direct
replacement was available. I tend to think it wasn't but it's possible
it was for $$$, while the generic type was affordable.
I wound up lubing the old one, putting in a new mast, and it's been
working perfectly ever since.
Tiger - 19 Aug 2006 23:17 GMT
You use your factory antennae boot to dictate the angle and just tighten it
up. The wiring is so easy... there is only 3 wires to be concerned for
electrical.
trader4@optonline.net - 20 Aug 2006 13:53 GMT
> You use your factory antennae boot to dictate the angle and just tighten it
> up. The wiring is so easy... there is only 3 wires to be concerned for
> electrical.
Maybe only three wires on your car, but on my 300SD the wiring
connector has 5 wires. And if it's not a generic antenna that's made
to fit many models, as opposed to a direct 100% replacement, then why
do you have to be concerned about the number or wires or using the old
boot?
Tiger - 20 Aug 2006 15:57 GMT
All I am saying if you don't want to spend $220+ for a new antennae or
paying someone over $100 to fix it... generic Hirshmann antenna is the way
to go.
Old boot makes it factory appearance. and better seal.
Lastly, why do we need to have our antennae lowered halfway? Reception
stinks. Car wash? Well, why not just turn off your radio? You can't hear
radio when antennae is down too...
trader4@optonline.net - 20 Aug 2006 16:51 GMT
> All I am saying if you don't want to spend $220+ for a new antennae or
> paying someone over $100 to fix it... generic Hirshmann antenna is the way
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> stinks. Car wash? Well, why not just turn off your radio? You can't hear
> radio when antennae is down too...
Note, I never said a generic wasn't OK, if you really need to replace
the whole antenna. What I said was there are some drawbacks that
people should be aware of, before they make that decision and there are
other options. Some people don't care about having dash switches that
no longer do anything in an old car that's seen better days. Others
have cars that are in great shape and as close to original as possible.
And for the latter, taking the time to take the cover off the original
unit, clean/lube it, put in a new mast that you can get for $20, can be
a better alternative. I've done exactly that with mine,
cleaning/lubing it twice, replacing the mast once and after 26 years,
it still works perfectly.
Tiger - 20 Aug 2006 18:49 GMT
You are one of those lucky one... Of both MB I owned... both died... one
died of gear broke at the motor... The other one died of circuit board
failure. I suppose I can fix one antenne with the other one... but I don't
have that old car anymore.