Car Stereos: Power antenna for an 89 Chrysler, chrysler lebaron, 1989 chrysler lebaron

Question
Hi! I recently replaced the mast on my 1989 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. I started out by trying to install an entire new antenna. I couldn't figure out how to wire it, so I decided to just replace the mast in the old one. (I decided this AFTER I had already removed the old antenna assembly and harness. Dummy me cut the wires from the old antenna to try to replace the new.) Long story short, I was able to splice the wiring back together, and I had rethreaded the mast into the unit by hand before I reinstalled it. Now, when I turn the radio ON, the antenna goes DOWN. When I turn the radio or car OFF, the antenna rises. What did I do wrong? How can I fix this?

Answer
Hi Ed,

It sounds to me like you've got two wires crossed.  The likely scenario are two output wires on a relay.  When set one way, it's off, when set the other, it's on.  They've been crossed.  Look for wires that are maybe mismatched where you rejoined.  You can test for the wires you need by finding the one that has 12V to ground when the car is off, and 12V to ground when it's on.

Justin