DIY: Volkswagen MKIV Antenna Removal & Repair

Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• nylon trim removal tool
• standard (flat) screwdriver
• phillips screwdriver
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 22mm 3/8" drive socket
• pliers
• solder
• solder iron
• short piece of 18 gauge wire
• silicon
• dielectric grease

Procedure:

• remove the plastic trim at the rear of the headliner located at the hatch opening
• this can be done by hand or with the assistance of a trim removal tool
• there will be five clips in total that need to be disconnect along the center of the trim piece
• remove the center retaining clip where the trim piece was located which holds the headliner into place
• the clip can be removed using a standard screwdriver or the nylon trim removal tool
• move seat belt height adjusters all the way down on the rear pillars
• pull back the pillar trim, there will be four clips on each side to disconnect
• remove the antenna assembly by removing the large 22mm nut on the underside of the roof using the 3/8" drive ratchet and the 22mm socket
• unclip the wiring
• disconnect the antenna wire
• moving onto the antenna repair, try removing the two phillips screws
• open up the assembly and clean out any of the corrosion
• if the circuit board is not functioning, remove it completely
• solder a wire from the base plate to the end cap, 18 gauge should be sufficient for the job
• apply silicon to the inside of the antenna, ensure that the whole unit is sealed up so moisture cannot penetrate the inside
• allow for the silicon to harden
• if corrosion is found on the antenna connection, clean it accordingly
• apply dielectric grease to the antenna connection which will prevent further corrosion
• installation in reverse

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Does this procedure apply to a Volkswagen Jetta/Bora?

Yes it does, although dropping down the rear of the headliner is slightly different.

Video tutorial on how to remove the radio antenna from a Volkswagen Golf MK4 and repair on a budget. As for removing the antenna from a Jetta or Bora MK4, the procedure it slightly different to gain access to the antenna nut. This antenna can be replaced either with an OEM unit or a shark fine rather than repairing the existing assembly. After a while, the moisture does penetrate the internals and will corrode the electronics, which in turn prevents the booster in the antenna from working correctly. This will eventually give your radio poor reception. After this repair the antenna worked excellent and I put about 100,000km on the car until I decided to sell it. This particular tutorial was done on a 2004 Volkswagen GolF TDI.