HI I'AM NEW TO THIS FORUM, I HAVE A 2010 FORD EXPLORER THAT THE SATELLITE ANTENNA LEAKS WATER INTO THE CAR, CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO TAKE THE ANTENNA OFF TO SEAL IT. ANY THOUGHTS WILL BE HELPFUL.
THANKS

 

Welcome to the forum!

Are you sure the leak is from the antenna rather than a restricted or disconnected sunroof drain hose? Does your Explorer have a sunroof?

-Rod

 

YES THE CAR HAS A SUNROOF I CHECKED ALL DRAINS AND THERE WORKING THERE IS NO WATER IN THE SUNROOF TRAY. IT SEEMS THAT WHEN THE CAR SITS IN THE RAIN DRIPS OF WATER DRIP ON TO THE HEADLINER WHICH IT APPEARS THE UNDERSIDE OF THE LINER IS PLASTIC. SO WHEN I DRIVE OFF THE WATER FALLS OUT OF THE SWITCH HOLES FOR INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE SUNROOF SWITCHES, ONE TIME THE WATER CAME DOWN THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD IN LINE WITH THE ANTENNA IT WAS NOT A LOT WATER, BUT NOW IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. I AM WONDERING IF YOU EVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE, AND HOW IS THE SATELLITE ANTENNA ATTACHED TO THE TOP OF THE CAR DOES THE HEAD LINER HAVE TO COME OFF. CAN SEALANT BE PUT UNDER THE ANTENNA. I'AM ASKING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I READ SOMEPLACE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS. I HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, AT THAT TIME. NOW THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY SAID LEAKS ARE NOT COVERED. THANKS

 

Here are the steps from the factory service manual:

Removal and Installation

1. Remove the RH A-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to Section 501-05 .

1. Remove the 3 screws, the RH sun visor retaining clip, and the RH sun visor.
   • If equipped, disconnect the electrical connector.

1. Lower the front of the headliner enough to gain access to the satellite radio antenna electrical connector.

1. NOTE: Remove the satellite antenna and pigtail through the mounting opening in the roof panel.
   Remove the satellite antenna.
   • Disconnect the electrical connector.
   • Loosen the antenna bolt.
     • To install, tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
   • Compress the tabs and release the satellite antenna from the roof panel.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

And here are the steps for the RH A-pillar trim panel:
A-Pillar Trim Panel

Removal and Installation

1. Remove the 2 assist handle bolt covers.

1. Remove the 2 assist handle bolts.
   • To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

1. Remove the assist handle.

1. Position the door opening weatherstrip aside.

1. NOTE: The clip on the LH A-pillar trim panel must remain in the sheet metal. The clip comes off the A-pillar trim panel when the panel is removed.
   Remove the A-pillar trim panel.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

-Rod

 

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP, LET YOU KNOW HOW I MAKE OUT

JIM

 

I would just put a small bead of clear silicone around the base.

Use masking tape if you aren't good at caulking.

 

I ATTEMPTED THE JOB TO SEAL THE SATELLITE ANTENNA YESTERDAY I REMOVED THE ANTENNA AND PUT GE SILICONE GASKET MAKER ON THE BOTTOM OF THE ANTENNA, EVERYTHING SEEM TO GO WELL, I HAD A LITTLE TROUBLE WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE R/H PILLAR TRIM BUT I MANAGED TO REMOVE IT.I ALSO PUT A LITTLE CREASE IN THE LINER BUT IT IS NOT THAT BAD. SO NOW ALL I HAVE TO DO IS WAIT FOR A RAIN STORM TO SEE IF IT LEAKS OR HOSE IT DOWN. I LIKE TO THANK SHOROD FOR YOUR HELP ON YOUR INSTRUCTION TO REPAIR THE LEAK, AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO POSTED THERE HELPFUL THOUGHTS.

JIM

 

You're welcome, and hopefully that takes care of the leak!

-Rod