VC SL/E Power antenna problems

[VCSL/E334]

Hi all,

I'm trying to install a power antenna to my VC SL/E (original long gone - original module still in place with wiring) and need some help.

I purchased a Eurovox from a VH thinking it should suit - however there are 3 wires coming from the unit (1 red, 1 green, 1 black). I was expecting 2 wires. Trying all combinations possible I can't get it to work.

I put the problem down to one or more of the following 4 and was wondering if anyone could comment -

1. The VH power antenna is incompatible with the VC module and setup
2. The existing module is stuffed - how do I test it still works?
3. Maybe the switch on the dash is stuffed? Though I thought that by simply putting the radio on the antenna should work?
4. Connection to the radio - I haven't actually connected the antenna cable to the radio assuming the motor should at least work with the electrical wires - would I need to plug in the antenna cable as well?

BTW - I'm running the original cassette deck.

Appreciate any help,
Cheers

[magnetvh]

If your antenna is universal (afta market) I'm pretty sure it won't work with the switch on ur dash. The aerial doesn't need to be in the radio for it to work.Is the module 6 pin or 7 pin.

[DerekP]

My understanding is this that (generally) aftermarket aerials are fully automatic - that is they go all the up or all the way down with nothing in between and as magnetvh pointed out you won't be able to lower or raise the aerial using the switch on the dash. What you need is a semi automatic aerial that can be controlled by the module, and yes there are a few different modules between VB - VL.

[jpetrou]

You can get aftermarket antennas to work with the module fitted in the car. Normally the module will make a click noise when the radio comes on (within 5 -10 seconds) and another when the radio is turned off (within 5 - 10 seconds).

To help you, I have attachments showing the wiring diagram and installation diagrams from the factory workshop manual and parts catalogue.

[VCSL/E334]

Thanks for your help everyone.

The module is a six pin magnetvh.

jpetrou - I can hear the click noise the module makes which gives me confidence that the module is working normally. In the 5-10 seconds before the click after turning on the ignition, if I use the up/down ariel button I can also hear a faint electrical type noise - until it clicks, then nothing.

I've attached a picture of the power antenna from the VH I purchased. I think the green and red wires are to link up with the module, the black wire I'm now thinking is to earth?



I tried earthing it however still no luck. So I think I might try and track down a proper VC unit or even a newer one that might suit...??

[magnetvh]

It sounds like u need a new module, or switch. Most times its the module. Have u tested the aerial to c if the motor spins. Open the cover, its a small nut and washer in the middle, and c if the plastic cog that looks like a long rope is all intact. They tend to break from wear and tear. Do this while its all connected and press the switch up/down to c if the aerial motor spins. If it dont, your aerials had it. VB VC VH aerials r the same. Make sure that urs is a genuine GMH aerial. It won't go up and down to wot height u want. Like DerickP said, it will go all way up web radio is switched on and all the way down wen turned off, just like the newer commo's do. i was asking about how many pins the module had cause I got a brand new genuine gmh one for sale but its a 7 pin.

[jpetrou]

The antenna in the photo you have is a non-genuine one. The give away is the bracket is an aftermarket one. The genuine brackets were a solid bracket with one bolt hole on the bottom. The genuine antennas had GMH/Eurovox labels or GMH/Phillips. If you luck out in finding one, try Aeropro antennas. They are as close as you are going to get to genuine, and just like the genuine ones, you can replace the antenna mast if it breaks.

[VCSL/E334]

Thanks magnetvh and jpetrou.

I've tested the module with a voltmeter and I'm getting a 12v charge out of each wire from the module depending on whether I'm using the switch up or down. It's also giving a charge after the click once the ignition is turned on/off. So I'm now really confident the module is working.

I've taken the antenna back to the wreckers - and now the search continues for an original one. I'd probably rather this than an Aeropro as mentioned otherwise I can't use my switch - though I've got my work cut out for me to track one down!!