Roof antennas broken housing

[jrp]

I recently shipped my lightning to Hawaii and both antennas on the roof are now damaged. I can still connect to the car from the Ford app and things like GPS still appear to work, so at least one of the devices is still functioning. My question is, has anyone replaced these and is it a relatively straight forward process?

I am not a mechanic by any stretch, but I am a capable DIYer with some construction & electrical experience. Should I or Can I order these parts and replace it all myself, or does it really need to be done by a pro at a Dealer?

Thanks in advance!

Sponsored

 

[Maquis]

Shouldn’t this be covered by the shipping company’s insurance?

 

[jrp]

Yes, I’m hoping to get reimbursed, but dealer support Hawaii is dubious (from feedback I’ve received locally from Ford owners). I thought I would do the work myself, if it’s possible…and recover the funds for the parts. There’s also the possibility that the shipping company decides not to reimburse me, so keeping the cost low is also worth doing.

 

[RickLightning]

Quality shipping company!

 

[Henry Ford]

The following is my opinion based on zero research.

My concerns with this project would damaging the paint around the antennae during removal and getting a proper seal during installation. Additional, I'm guessing the headliner needs to come down which is a PITA and will require two people to get realigned.

I've made the mistake of fixing damage caused by someone else without involving the insurance company and don't suggest it. If it were me, I'd tape them up and arrange for a dealer (or body shop?) to fix it right.

 

[Heliian]

Parts are cheap, job is a pain. Best of luck.

 

[Rocket808]

ugh.

Also - Good luck charging on Oahu (if that is where you went). Unless you home charge - options are pretty horrific.
More 1772 slow chargers around the island considered to be EV friendly. If I recall, one EA spot and even very few Tesla chargers!

 

[jrp]

The following is my opinion based on zero research.

My concerns with this project would damaging the paint around the antennae during removal and getting a proper seal during installation. Additional, I'm guessing the headliner needs to come down which is a PITA and will require two people to get realigned.

I've made the mistake of fixing damage caused by someone else without involving the insurance company and don't suggest it. If it were me, I'd tape them up and arrange for a dealer (or body shop?) to fix it right.

Thanks for the advice. I was hoping it might be a simple swap out. I suppose I’m leaning in the dealer direction.

 

[jrp]

ugh.

Also - Good luck charging on Oahu (if that is where you went). Unless you home charge - options are pretty horrific.
More 1772 slow chargers around the island considered to be EV friendly. If I recall, one EA spot and even very few Tesla chargers!

Ha, I figured Oahu was probably okay for chargers. I’m on the Big Island and charging is abysmal. One fast charger in Hilo and one in Kona (usually a line of cars or broken, from what I’ve been told). You see level two charges in several places, but they are nearly worthless (unless you have 5 hours or more of shopping to do!). Fortunately, I will be home charging and hoping the charging situation gets better over time.

 

[chl]

I recently shipped my lightning to Hawaii and both antennas on the roof are now damaged. I can still connect to the car from the Ford app and things like GPS still appear to work, so at least one of the devices is still functioning. My question is, has anyone replaced these and is it a relatively straight forward process?

I am not a mechanic by any stretch, but I am a capable DIYer with some construction & electrical experience. Should I or Can I order these parts and replace it all myself, or does it really need to be done by a pro at a Dealer?

Thanks in advance!

I think you could DIY it.
See this thread - seems to be the same or similar enough: https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/roof-antenna-corrosion-my-own-re-work.14580/

"...I carefully pulled down the headliner on both sides of the rear cab, and un-bolted the two roof antennas. ..."

PS: since it is such a minor expense, your insurance deductible will mean they don't pay for it...but you may later in higher premiums for making a claim.

Sponsored