How can I fix a radio antenna?

1992 cutlass ciera radio antenna whirrs and bobs up and down after the engine is turned off The battery will run down unless I unplug the battery How do I fix this?

• Answer:

  Try turning the radio off before turning the car off. If this doesn't work, check the assembly at the base of the antenna for a sensor switch for gunk and clean it off. Don't ask me where it is, because I don't have the schematics for the antenna assembly on a 1992 Cutlass Ciera handy at this moment. If this doesn't work, the easiest "fix" is to wait until the antenna goes all the way up, then clip the power lead to the antenna motor. Just make sure you don't clip the antenna lead. This will keep the antenna up all the time. Next cheapest route is to replace the whole antenna assembly, motor and all. I would recommend getting a cheap $5 standard antenna from a local auto parts store and do away with the "convenience" of the automatic retractable antenna.