Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI/Jetta/GLI MkV DIY & FAQ

DIY: GTI/Rabbit antenna swap

Tools:
T20 torx driver
T25 torx driver
10mm socket and socket wrench
22mm socket and socket wrench
Small inspection mirror
Plastic trim tool, or flathead screwdriver wrapped in vinyl electrical tape

Please note: The headliner is made of fiberglass, long sleeve shirt and gloves recommended, exposure to fiberglass can cause skin irritation.

Step 1: Start by removing the trim piece at the rear of the headliner.  Start on one side and work your way across, trim piece should pull straight down.

Step 2: Remove the 10mm nuts on each side, these hold the c-pillars in place.

Step 3:  Remove two T20 torx screws from each door handle.

Step 4: If you’re careful with this step, you won’t break the airbag symbols.  Using the trim tool, start on the top edge of the airbag symbol.  Press IN and DOWN and the emblem should pop out.  Becareful removing it as it has a “tail” to hold it in place during an accident.

Step 5:  Remove the T25 torx screw that is behind the airbag emblem.

Step 6: Carefully pull the c-pillars off their clips (there are 3 per panel).  You are NOT REMOVING the c-pillar entirely, just pull it out to give yourself a little room.  Look behind the panel and check to make sure all the clips are still in the panel… sometimes they stick in the metal, and you’ll need to pull them out and put them back on the panel for later re-assembly.

Step 7: This is where you need the mirror… you won’t have a lot of clearance above the headliner.  Use the mirror to locate: 1) the 22mm nut holding the antenna  2) the black and white wires coming from the antenna  3) the black and white connectors for the wires.

Step 8: Gentley pull the connectors free from their clips, then disconnect.

Step 9: Carefully work the 22mm socket and wrench above the headliner, and loosen the nut holding the antenna down.  Remove nut and set aside.

Step 10: Pull the old antenna off the roof, carefully guiding the connectors out.

Step 11: Clean the area with some quick detail and a clean rag.

Step 12: Install the new antenna.

Step 13: Carefully tighten the nut onto the new antenna.  Reconnect the black and white wires, and clip them back in place.  Reverse steps for re-assembly.

DONE!