Thought of writing this DIY to share my experience when replacing the stock antenna of my 2016 Sorento EX Turbo (Canada Version). Decided to replace it because I like better how the shark fin looks compared to the old-fashioned roof-mounted whip antenna and also I was afraid the carwash brushes might rip it off or break it.
![Antennas.jpg]()
I considered the Mark II VG model, marketed by a Canadian company in B.C., yet design didn't convince me entirely, it's too bulky and dolphin-like round fin. Dealership retails the OEM shark fin for CAD 500 plus tax, with the explicit warning of not fitting any other trim than an SX (Big lie).
After reviewing the Repair Service Manual I got an idea of how my antenna's connection looked. It also gave details on each pin's service type (XM Radio, FM/AM and Navigation). Wanted to confirm that my vehicle had same plug as described in the manual so I dropped the rear headliner's edge to have access to the connector (Follow step 1 below). Confirmed it looks exactly as the repair manual.
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Started searching the web on the hunt for a potential candidate and came across a 2015 Hyundai Tucson OEM model (962102S800TCM) that seemed to fit my connector.
![Hyundai Antenna.jpg]()
Did some research with Hyundai folks down in the States (Canada Hyundai manages different part numbers) who shared the wiring details.
Hyundai's Shark-fin Antenna wiring.
Bingo! Documentation confirmed it would work out. Took the leap and ordered the part from the ebay seller in Texas.
When I received the package, before taking apart my car's trunk, I briefly repeated the exercise of dropping the headlining's rear edge to ensure the antenna worked. Considering that when testing, the power was still plugged to the pole antenna (Antennas have an internal amplifier), it worked pretty well.
Checked the repair manual's section to replace the antenna, hell of a process!!! According to it, you'd need to disassemble half interior trim to get to it. Knowing the pins and screws location, decided to go on my own way.
1) Snap out the rear lamp cover using a small flat screwdriver. Then remove the 2 screws using a Phillips screwdriver and pull down the lamp assembly. Unplug the power connector.
![Rear Lamp.jpg]()
2) Gently remove the trunk's left weatherstrip and pry the lower trim with your fingers. It's held by pressure pins that come off as you pull the section out freehand. Separate that section only until the C-section window. I strongly recommend you apply counter-force to the trim with the other hand to avoid breaking the clips when they come out.
![Trim Screws.jpg]()
3) While pulling with one hand to create a gap, use the other one to loosen up 2 screws at the bottom of the upper trim with a 10 mm socket. Take out also the third screw that is hidden behind the ABS logo (Cap comes out by prying with a flat screwdriver on the rear side of it). Gently pull out the trim, there are few push-pins holding it in place. Then just slide it upwards to remove.
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the opposite (Right) side of the trunk.
![trims removed.jpg]()
5) Using a trim removal tool or a small wrench, remove 2 push-pins holding the headliner's rear section. I used one that came with Ikea furniture.
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6) Slowly bring down the headliner at the middle, where the rear lamp sits, enough as to slide your hand (palm up) in all the way up to the antenna's base, DO NOT FORCE the headliner too much as it may crease at the folding points. Mine did crease a little bit but disappeared couple of hours later.
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7) Unplug the grey connector near the rear lamp and the power connection (one single terminal) at the very bottom of the antenna.
8) Using a 3/4" socket, remove the nut that holds the antenna. Then, push the antenna's base up until it pops out the roof.
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9) Insert the new antenna and go for a drive test before assembling the whole thing back. Follow reverse order to complete the task. Make sure the antenna's nut is tightened properly or water may leak in screwing the whole effort.
End to end installation took me less than an hour, even without proper tools. So far, I haven't noticed any difference signal-wise. FM/AM and XM Radio work exactly as before. More pics to follow.
I considered the Mark II VG model, marketed by a Canadian company in B.C., yet design didn't convince me entirely, it's too bulky and dolphin-like round fin. Dealership retails the OEM shark fin for CAD 500 plus tax, with the explicit warning of not fitting any other trim than an SX (Big lie).
After reviewing the Repair Service Manual I got an idea of how my antenna's connection looked. It also gave details on each pin's service type (XM Radio, FM/AM and Navigation). Wanted to confirm that my vehicle had same plug as described in the manual so I dropped the rear headliner's edge to have access to the connector (Follow step 1 below). Confirmed it looks exactly as the repair manual.
Started searching the web on the hunt for a potential candidate and came across a 2015 Hyundai Tucson OEM model (962102S800TCM) that seemed to fit my connector.
Did some research with Hyundai folks down in the States (Canada Hyundai manages different part numbers) who shared the wiring details.
Hyundai's Shark-fin Antenna wiring.
Bingo! Documentation confirmed it would work out. Took the leap and ordered the part from the ebay seller in Texas.
When I received the package, before taking apart my car's trunk, I briefly repeated the exercise of dropping the headlining's rear edge to ensure the antenna worked. Considering that when testing, the power was still plugged to the pole antenna (Antennas have an internal amplifier), it worked pretty well.
Checked the repair manual's section to replace the antenna, hell of a process!!! According to it, you'd need to disassemble half interior trim to get to it. Knowing the pins and screws location, decided to go on my own way.
1) Snap out the rear lamp cover using a small flat screwdriver. Then remove the 2 screws using a Phillips screwdriver and pull down the lamp assembly. Unplug the power connector.
2) Gently remove the trunk's left weatherstrip and pry the lower trim with your fingers. It's held by pressure pins that come off as you pull the section out freehand. Separate that section only until the C-section window. I strongly recommend you apply counter-force to the trim with the other hand to avoid breaking the clips when they come out.
3) While pulling with one hand to create a gap, use the other one to loosen up 2 screws at the bottom of the upper trim with a 10 mm socket. Take out also the third screw that is hidden behind the ABS logo (Cap comes out by prying with a flat screwdriver on the rear side of it). Gently pull out the trim, there are few push-pins holding it in place. Then just slide it upwards to remove.
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the opposite (Right) side of the trunk.
5) Using a trim removal tool or a small wrench, remove 2 push-pins holding the headliner's rear section. I used one that came with Ikea furniture.
6) Slowly bring down the headliner at the middle, where the rear lamp sits, enough as to slide your hand (palm up) in all the way up to the antenna's base, DO NOT FORCE the headliner too much as it may crease at the folding points. Mine did crease a little bit but disappeared couple of hours later.
7) Unplug the grey connector near the rear lamp and the power connection (one single terminal) at the very bottom of the antenna.
8) Using a 3/4" socket, remove the nut that holds the antenna. Then, push the antenna's base up until it pops out the roof.
9) Insert the new antenna and go for a drive test before assembling the whole thing back. Follow reverse order to complete the task. Make sure the antenna's nut is tightened properly or water may leak in screwing the whole effort.
End to end installation took me less than an hour, even without proper tools. So far, I haven't noticed any difference signal-wise. FM/AM and XM Radio work exactly as before. More pics to follow.
