Shark fin antenna

[Quasimoto72]

I have a 2016 RAM 2500 with the shark fin antenna at the forward area of roof over the cab. The antenna is loose (I can slightly twist it clockwise from its proper orientation). It is allowing water to leak in, which soaks the headliner next to the upper center console where there are lights and garage door opener buttons.

What do I need to re-establish the seal and tighten the antenna so it will not rotate?

 

[Rlaf75]

My 11 ram was different but if I remember correctly, you should be able to access the antenna if you remove that upper console.

 

[Badger 13]

There is a nut on the back side of it. It sounds like yours needs to be snugged up. You have to pull the headliner down enough to gain access to it. I had to change mine, and it was kind of a PIA, but it can be done with patience. I believe there is a couple of University of Utube video's on how to remove the headliner. I did not remove mine, but gained just enough access to get my hand to the nut.

Good luck with it.

 

[sirdumpsalot]

I am not envious of headliner work...how did it turn out?

 

[Badger 13]

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I took my time and told myself not to get PO'ed. Was careful and used folded towels to hold it down just enough that I could get my hands in to do the work. I did not take it completely down. Watching a couple of video's really helped since they showed what needed to be removed and how to remove things like the overhead console. Everything went back together perfectly with no signs it was ever down.

 

[Toddz]

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I took my time and told myself not to get PO'ed. Was careful and used folded towels to hold it down just enough that I could get my hands in to do the work. I did not take it completely down. Watching a couple of video's really helped since they showed what needed to be removed and how to remove things like the overhead console. Everything went back together perfectly with no signs it was ever down.

Hey Badger 13, I know this is an old post, but would you happen to have info on the videos you viewed to tighten the shark fin would you? Mine is loose, so I need to tighten it up. If not, did you have to pull the B pillars too prop the headliner, or only the A pillars?

 

[Badger 13]

I had to replace mine, so I pulled the overhead console off to better reach the connectors. If yours is forward on the cab, and on the drivers side like mine is, you might get by with just removing the sun visor, the grab handle and molding on the A-pillar. Once that is off you can see how you can pull down the headliner. As I previously said, the folded towels really helped to keep the headliner down enough to get my hands in there. I did NOT have to pull the anything on the B-pillar. I don't remember the nut size on the sharkfin, but it wasn't very big. I'll see if I can find the video, but if I remember right the video was more on removing the overhead console.

 

[markabby]

clear RTV silicone sealant/adhesive

 

[Toddz]

I wanted to let others know I figured out why my shark fin keeps loosening up. I couldn't understand why the shark fin would loosen up, especially after having it replaced 2 years ago. After pondering for a bit, the on thing that hadn't changed is the hand car wash I have been using. I watched them wash my truck the other day, and my suspicions were correct. They use the antenna as a hold to pull themselves up to dry the roof. I just thought I would post for others to watch their local wash choice to make sure they are not doing the same.

 

[Atcer2018]

I wanted to let others know I figured out why my shark fin keeps loosening up. I couldn't understand why the shark fin would loosen up, especially after having it replaced 2 years ago. After pondering for a bit, the on thing that hadn't changed is the hand car wash I have been using. I watched them wash my truck the other day, and my suspicions were correct. They use the antenna as a hold to pull themselves up to dry the roof. I just thought I would post for others to watch their local wash choice to make sure they are not doing the same.

Dang that’s what I did to mine. It was loose a year ago and I had to pull the headliner down enough to get a ratcheting box end in there to snug it up. I would hold onto that thing when I washed my truck. Nice detective work.