Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio OEM Power Antena, adding it after the fact.

Hi,

Nrsstc@aol.com I have a 99 Mistique LS and have recently bought the OEM antena from a wrecker for $130.CAD. Problem is that the motor on the antena has a 7 volt max. There are also 2 relays attached to the unit and I can't find any wires in the rear of the car to plug into.

I've also learned from my local Ford parts guy, that if the car did not have the power antena from the factory it would be very difficult to add the OEM part as the wiring harness has no connection for the OEM part.

SO, what do I do? Anyone have any ideas? Or should I just buy an aftermarket part and install that? Please help.

Nrsstc
Toronto, Canada
99 Mistique, Cabernet Red, Window tints and Kick-ass Stereo mods.

Why did you spend that kind of money for a factory antenna. I purchased a Metra Power antenna for $50.00 and installed it myself. I have a 99 'tour. I have had the antenna on the car for 3 years now and have had no problems with it at all. I too was going to purchase a factory antenna until I weighed out my options. Can you get a refund on that antenna. If so do it and go and purchase on of the Metra antennas. They work on 12volt.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I should have looked before I leaped. I have a thing for OEM stuff. Quite frankly, I thought it would just plug in. I'll probably do the aftermarket antena. Just trying to see if there is a chance with the OEM.

Thanks for your feedback.

Nrsstc
Toronto, Canada
99 Mystique, Cabernet Red, Window tints and Kick-ass Stereo mods.

Noted your post in the GTA forum.

Lucky for you (not me) I am in middle of autopsy on my '97's power antenna. Son did me a favour(?) and proudly announced he'd taken it thru' carwash. 1st question I asked; did you shut radio off. Answer, no! Result - a really bent antenna!

However your story. I'm surprised there is no pre-wiring but even aftermarket would require feed, although many get it from trunk amp. What car did yours come from 'cause on mine there is only one relay(which presumably drops voltage) Was your existing antenna trunk mounted? What was the OEM
audio system CD?

I can inspect my OEM installation tomorrow and advise further.

Seriously too.. i bought my power antennae for 30 bucks at kmart like 3 years ago when i first got my contour. Still works great, and sounds quiet as advertised on their label. It took me about 30 minutes to run the power antennae wire from the front, and to also connect the ground and power cables (more like 16ga wires). The way i connected the antennae cable from the antennae itself was to just splice it, and plug it to the factory one. Shouldn't be too hard.. and it is much cheaper than OEM. hope that helps

Hi Guys,

In response to Horseydug, I?m not sure of the exact origin of my OEM power antenna. It might actually have a transformer on it. I should take a closer look. But it does have 2 connectors on it which threw me off a little. As for not having a pre-existing plug, I?ve gotten all sorts of stories from Ford as to why it was not supplied. My car came with the basic low-end cassette deck and mast antenna. I upgraded to a Sony head unit with cassette and 10 CD changer mounted in truck with a few amps. So, I have a power source for the antenna and the wiring for the remote trigger switch from the deck. Just not sure how to wire the antenna as there is a big yellow label warning not to feed 12v direct to the unit. So, as of this morning, I decided to get an after market part and install it next week. I?ve been consulting with my local installer and even they said the OEM unit without the factory harness would be not worth the effort to do. So, I?m selling my OEM Power Antenna. Any offers?

I?m leaving this project for a few days as I have business matters that require my attention. I?ll probably get back into this next week. I?ll take a closer look at the unit and post my findings.

BDZJunior and Horseydug, thanks for your feedback. Cheers!

Let me know if you are back and wish to pursue.

Here is info off of my '97 antenna:
Module - F6VI-19A394-AA 07/22/96
Motor - 93BB-19A0 08/05/96

8 pin connector to module with a tap off that goes to 2 pin connector at motor. Wiring crosses over from driver's side of car at rear of trunk, whereas rf cable comes from pass. side.

Hi Guys,

Well, I'm finally back! Pulled apart the trunk and stared at that antenna. Decided to go with the after market set-up. Its too much trouble to wire up the OEM part. Contacted my parts guy and he'll take the OEM part back with a 20% re-stocking fee. 20% is not a hefty price to pay for my stupidity. On Tuesday Ap 23 I'm picking up an aftermarket antenna from my local stereo shop. They'll install it for me no-charge. So, in the end this little project cost me about $100.

On another note, I did install the A6 side markers today. They look great! I highly recommend the How-To section of the CEG site. Fool proof. Took me about an afternoon after getting all the parts. I opted for the single stage operation. Turn signals only. No need for the resistors/diodes. Total was about $60 bucks plus my time.

Well, the powere antenna is finally done! Put in an aftermarket part today. Ironically enough, its the same unit as the Ford OEM but with a slightly different wiring setup. Had it installed at my local stereo shop.

So finally got that monkey off my back! Thanks for your comments and feedback!

Cheers,