OEM 2000 Dodge Dakota Antenna

2000 Dodge Dakota Antenna Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Maintain and Fix an Antenna on 2000 Dodge Dakota?

  A: When performing any antenna repair or service on a car with air bags, always detach the car's battery negative cable. Peel off the right cowl side inner panel trim cover to reach the connector holding the antenna coaxial line, turn the fixtures at the connector until they detach and then remove the wire without pulling it. Pull the antenna coaxial cable from the retainer clips found at the lower instrument panel reinforcement, on the heater-A/C housing, at the right cowl side inside and within the right front fender. Unfasten the antenna mast from the whip by hand, then use an antenna nut wrench (Special Tool C-4816) to loosen the antenna cap and lift it off and finally detach the antenna adapter from the top edge of the fender. Thread the antenna body into the hole in the top of the fender and slip it out from beneath the right cowl side outer panel. Disconnect the coaxial cable grommet inside the car, then pull the cable out. Disconnect the negative battery cable again and reach under the instrument panel to disconnect the coaxial antenna cable from the connector. Before the installation, securely attach one end of your flexible cord or twine to the cord side on the antenna coaxial connector. Unclip the antenna cable from the lower instrument panel reinforcement, roll the glove box down and use your hand through the opening to unclip the retainer that holds the antenna cable to the instrument panel. Take the radio receiver out of the instrument panel, while the antenna cable is connected through it and pull the cable out of its opening. Leave the cable loose and pull off the cord or twine from the connector. Align the antenna and its cable through the space between the outer panel on the right cowl and the fender. Then, push the cable into the car, engage the grommet and route it to the driver's side door panel. Feed the antenna body into the mounting hole in the fender's top and install the adapter, then tighten the nut of the antenna cap with the wrench to 8 Nm (or 70 ft.-lbs.). Tighten the mast of the antenna to 3.3 Nm (30 in. lbs.), mount the coaxial cable retainers and attach the end of the cable to the instrument panel connector. Last, put the trim board back on and attach the negative battery cable again. The antenna cable for the instrument panel extends from the connector, goes through the radio receiver opening, has the receiver installed, clicked in the retainer, opened the glove box and finalized with the antenna stored in the clip. Untie the cord or twine, then connect the antenna coaxial back and attach the battery negative cable afterward.