Antenna - (Automatic) Description/Specifications
85mercedes03TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: October 1985 (Supersedes MBNA 82/15, Sept. 84) REF. NO. MBNA 82/15a
SUBJECT: ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TYPE 6000 EL ALL MODELS
This S.I. was revised to include application information and power draw considerations after reconnecting the antenna. Please discard your copy of MBNA 82/15, September 1984.
Application
Models 107, 123 (except 123.193), 126, 201: As of model year 1984. Model 123.193: As of 9-5-84 production.
Operation
The antenna mast is extended or retracted by a toothed plastic drive cable powered by an electric motor. An electronic control unit replaces the electrical/mechanical components used in the previous type 6000 U. The electronic control unit has a minimum stand-by current consumption of approximately 2mA (0.002A).
After receiving a control pulse from the radio (switching on or off), the antenna motor remains energized for approximately 12 seconds with an oprating current of approximately 1A at 20~C (68~F or 2.4A at -20~C (-4~F). The antenna motor remains energized for several seconds after the mast is fully retracted or extended. In cases where the antenna motor is blocked, it will remain energized for approximately 12 seconds at an operating current of approximately 3A.
IMPORTANT: To avoid unnecessary antenna replacement, note the following features:
1. If the antenna mast is repeatedly extended or retracted (i.e., abused), the temperature within the drive assembly could rise to more than 85~C (185~F). In this case, a built-in overload protection feature will switch the control unit off.
After a recovery time (cooling off period) of about 2-3 minutes, the antenna will be fully functional and automatically switches back on.
2. The antenna will not extend if the radio is turned on with the antenna switch in the "OFF" position and then the switch is moved to the "MID" position. In this case, the antenna must be raised by switching to the "MAX" position.
3. Whenever power to the antenna is disconnected and then reconnected (e.g. disconnecting battery, removing fuse, disconnecting antenna power lead), the antenna will draw the previously specified amount of current for approximately 12 seconds. This should be considered whenever disconnecting wires to install a series-type ammeter for troubleshooting the cause of a battery discharge.
Installation of Replacement Antenna Mast/Drive Cable Assembly
IMPORTANT: The replacement antenna mast/plastic drive cable for the 6000 EL is only available as an assembly.
1. Turn key to steering lock position "1" or "2" and place antenna switch in "MAX" position. Switch radio on to extend the mast.
2. Completely loosen the threaded bushing above the antenna mast mounting nut.
3. Briefly switch the radio off and then on again to fully extend the mast and drive cable.
CAUTION! After turning the radio on again, be sure to hold on to the mast. The motor will run for approximately 12 seconds and run the cable out of the drive assembly. If the mast is not held, it could fall and damage the vehicle paintwork.
4. Note the position of the drive cable teeth or the antenna drive assembly in the trunk and then remove the mast/drive cable assembly.
Figure 1 - Drive Cable Assembly:
5. Insert the replacement drive cable up to the stop with the teeth in the correct position (see Figure 1).
6. Switch the radio off and momentarily push the drive cable until the teeth engage the drive.
IMPORTANT: If the cable does not begin to move when the radio is switched off, the teeth are not correctly positioned. Switch the radio on, wait approximately 12 seconds, and rotate the cable (max. 180~) to the correct position. Repeat step 6.
7. Guide the antenna mast as the cable retracts and insert the threaded bushing.
WARNING! The base of the mast will butt against the threaded bushing when the mast is fully retracted. Be sure to remove your hands in time to avoid injury.
8. Tighten the threaded bushing to 2 N-m.
9. Fully extend and retract the antenna mast several times to check function.
Parts Information
Part Name Part Number
Applicable to
Antenna mast/drive
201 827 00 01 107, 123, 201
cable assembly*
Antenna mast/drive
126 827 00 01 126
cable assembly*
*CAUTION! Do not expose the assembly to direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can damage the plastic drive cable.