Antenna, Radio: Service and Repair: General Procedures

ANTENNA GRID WIRE REPAIR

Heat Gun:

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

NOTE: Any breaks longer than 25.4 mm (1 in) in the antenna conductive trace cannot be repaired. A new windshield glass must be installed. Breaks equal to or shorter than 25.4 mm (1 in) in the antenna conductive trace can be successfully repaired by using the following procedure:







1. Bring the vehicle up to room temperature of at least 16°C (60°F).
2. Clean the entire grid line repair area with a non-alcohol based window cleaner and 0000 steel wool.







3. Mark the location of the grid break on the exterior of the rear window glass.







4. Using cellulose tape, mask the area directly above and below the grid break. The break area should be at the center of the mask.







5. NOTE:
- Extend the silver coating at least 6.35 mm (0.25 in) on both sides of the break area.
- Allow at least five minutes of drying time between applications.

Apply the repair coating to the grid break area in several smooth, continuous strokes.

Apply three applications of the grid repair compound.

6. After five minutes or after the repair area has dried completely, remove the mask.

7. CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the grid line with the razor blade. If this occurs, additional repair may be necessary.

Remove any excess repair compound above or below the grid line with a razor blade.

8. NOTE:
- The repair coating will air-dry in approximately one minute and can be energized within three minutes.
- Optimum adhesion occurs after approximately 24 hours.

After optimum hardness is achieved, clean the repaired area with a non-alcohol based window cleaner.