Honda Car Forum

Hey guys,

Strange phenomenon happening lately, looking for an explanation...
the car is a 96 Integra LS, 125K miles but in very good condition.

Last year, I decided to take some advice I read on the Internet and
spliced in a switch for the power antenna, so that I would have manual
control and would not have to put the antenna up when it was not
needed (strong local signal, CD playing, etc...). This is done simply
by splicing the yellow & green wire from the radio harness and
inserting a Radio Shack switch. If the switch is on, the mast goes up
and down as OEM, if it is off, it never goes up and down (as if the
radio is off). Very simple and works great.

Anyway, recently I have been noticing something odd - which I doubt is
related to the switch, but I thought I would mention that just in
case.

It seem that *sometimes* when I have the antenna extended and I flip
the switch or shut off the ignition, the antenna does NOT descend.
When this happens sometimes a gentle push or even a vibration from
closing the door kicks the motor into action and it descends. Other
times it will stay up for 5 minutes or so, then go down by itself,
other times it goes down right away as it should. Intermittent, but
has been happening more frequently lately.

I should also mention that the antenna motor is younger than the rest
of the car - it was replaced in December 2000 under warranty ($325CND
part!). I have taken good care of the new one, disconnecting it in
the winter and regularly cleaning the mast.

It seems almost like the car is retaining accessory power and thinking
the radio is still on after turning off the ignition. There is no
sign of mechanical problems with the motor, nor does it ever stall on
going UP, only DOWN.

It is a trivial problem at this point, but is this something that
could develop into a full-fledge electrical problem?

Has anyone else experienced this, or can anyone suggest possible
causes for this?


Thanks!

Kevin