Ford Repair: power antenna, antenna mast, mast assembly

Question
Dave,
 1995 Ford Explorer. The antenna doesn't go up or down anymore, but I can hear the motor whirling away. How do I get to the darn thing.    I've been under the hood, under the truck, under the dash and can't find it!
           Thank You, Michael

Answer
The Power Antenna Motor can be accessed by removing the fender liner behind the tire.  The plastic strip inside of the antenna mast is probably broken or the teeth are stripped off.  You will have to remove the broken mast parts and replace the mast assembly. Remove the special antenna cap nut and fender trim. Remove the plastic fender liner. Remove the power antenna motor. Remove the side cover and pull out the mast. Clean out any broken pieces in the motor.  Reassemble and reinstall the motor, do not install the special cap nut until the mast in installed. Feed the new mast in by aligning the plastic strip and turning the radio on and off until the mast is drawn in completely.  Reinstall the fender trim and cap nut.

I hope this helps,
Dave