Power antenna problems

[TheV6Bird]

I replaced my power antenna about 4 years ago. Now its acting up again!

The last time I drove my car was in late August, and I put the car in storage until mid December when I took it out again. Now, the antenna won't extend all the way up, and won't collapse all the way down. I have to manually push or pull it to go all the way down/up. I think it might be lubrication, since it just sat with no movement and maybe some of the grease dried up.

Is there a way I can fix my antenna, or do I need a full new one?

[FireFighter]

Try to grease it first, if that doesn't work find your warrenty paperwork and take it back.

[TheV6Bird]

Any special kind of grease I need to pick up?

[V6Bob]

Grease may work for a while, but it will attract dirt and it's no good in the long run. My (2000) owners manual has a bold caution against any lubrication.

Have you tried carefully wiping it off? Dirt is generally the problem. The owners manual recommends using a cloth dampened with mineral spirits first, then wiping that off with a clean cloth.

[F1GT]

Motorweek talked about this back in the early 90s, they say the cause for most of the problems is dirty antennas. They say to wipe it down with WD-40 every so often to keep it clean as the motors are weak.

[vanbibber]

i was just wondering why my antennae did this to. now i know why. thanx