'96 SS power antenna
 

Recently purchased a '96 SS coupe that is pretty much mint. But, it doesn't have a power antenna, which I would really like to have. Soooo, I found a NOS unit and now need some expertise as to how to make it function. It has red (which I assume is power), black (which is normally ground), and green (which I don't know what it does), wires going to the connector. Is there any way to make this work without running wires all the way to the dash/radio ? I know I need a 12v source initiated when I turn the key on, but other than that, I know VERY LITTLE about automotive electrical systems!!!!! Any help will be appreciated.

There should be a connector for the power antenna just ahead of the spare tire. I think it has black, orange, and pink wires. You can test your antenna by connecting battery voltage to the antenna's red (orange?) and black wires, then put the green wire to battery positive and it should rise. Remove the green wire and it should drop. The green wire would go to the pink wire, red to orange, and black to black. Does you antenna have a 3-pin connector like the one in the photo?

Looks just like it.

Look for the connector. If the car did not come with a power antenna or Monsoon audio system, the wires and connectors may be tied up out of the way.

Looked, but couldn't find the connector. Don't want to tear the car apart looking for it, so guess I'm stuck with the fixed antenna. Hate that thing !!!

I don't believe the power antenna was available from the factory for the Camaro. Scott Settlemire didn't want the problems that came with them. People improvised and used the antenna from the TA. I can remember some talking about running power back to the antenna and putting a switch in the line to control it. Surely there is a video showing an installation like this?

I looked in the 1996 Service Manual and found a diagram showing the antenna wiring. It looks to be in with the coaxial cable. I've attached a pdf showing it. The manual is not really clear if the option was available.

Well a few years ago, I disconnected the power to the antenna because I didn't use it much and wanted to keep it from getting damaged. Now I just manually raise it when needed and keep it at about 6" height all the time. It works like that for most stations in my area.

I think it is interesting that the diagram says "Chev shown, Pont similar"

The power antenna was available in '96, as RPO U75. It is shown in the GM Parts Direct diagram, along with the part number. My car has the "fixed antenna", RPO U73, and I looked at the diagram Peterpar provided and then looked at my antenna lead and, unfortunately, there is no 3-wire harness with it.

The Camaro White Book stopped showing the U75 power antenna as an option for the Camaro back in 1992. Years ago on ChirpThird.com, this was a topic of discussion. The Firebird owners were chiding the Camaro SS owner that they should have bought a Pontiac if they wanted a power antenna. Scott Settlemire replied he was to blame because he didn't want the problems associated with them. I also noticed the antenna is listed in the parts catalog, but I always assumed that was because it was available on the Firebird.

I'm attaching an article that covers wiring a power antenna that I saved. You may find it helpful if you choose to install this option.

Thanks peterpar. Like I said before, I don't know much about automotive electrical, but have friends that do. That info is what I was looking for.