Hello.

Long time listener. First time caller.

Is there a fuse that disables the automatic antenna? I plan on doing to Taco switch to the whip antenna but not for a few months. In the meantime, I'd like to at least keep my antenna motor from trying to raise and lower my now dead telescoping antenna.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

I didn't find a specific fuse for the antenna. Looks just like a relay for it.
It looks like it's located behind dash to the left of radio.

Take a look at this PDF file for the radio

Attached Images

Radio and Player.pdf (21.1 KB, 4650 views)

Pop your hood. Look in the back left corner near the antenna. On the fender just below where the hose for your windshield washer fluid attaches there is a buzzer with two pink wires. This does the 'beep 'beep'' for your alarm. Follow these wires to the harness and you should find two more wires (maybe covered in black sheathing) one black with yellow stripe and one blue. This is your antenna power wires. These two wires should exit the harness and enter an open plastic grommet with a clear tube into the fender. You can cut these two wires and your antenna motor will stop purring. I would secure the wires so that they do not fall into the fender.

Or you could tear into the fender liner and there is a water resistant connector on these wires that can be unplugged in the fender.

That's what I did. Took me about 20 minutes.

I am assuming that you do not have the limited style wide flares, because I would not wish that job on anyone. I was unable to access the area of the antenna motor the traditional way (via the edge of the fender and liner) because there is no easy way to remove the flares. The liner fits between the flare and the fender and it is virtually impossible to remove the clips holding the liner at the fender lip. I removed the clips from the inner side (more where the liner meets the engine apron) and the clip that holds at the front of the running board. Not fun, but got it done.

Speaking of the antenna? My antenna doesn't go up or down, also I do not hear the antenna motor when I turn my radio on and off? Should my antenna escalate up and down? I never knew. I have a 01 SR5 4x4, just purchased 1 week ago. Is it expensive and or easy to replace the antenna motor and antenna?

If I were you I would just leave it, count it as a blessing.... I just bought an 01 SR5 about a week ago too, the only problem it has been in the shop for is that stupid telescoping antenna . It has been fixed twice, (can't remember if the whole motor was replaced) around $200, found the reciepts in the glovebox. I'm going to try and "break" mine.

I just did the "Taco Whip Mod" with the antenna.
Its probably one of the best ones I've done yet.

No more broke mast. The only pain in the A** was running the antenna wire back to the radio. But it's not that bad. For the price of 1 toyota power mast you get a whole assembly and it won't break again.

When I ordered (last week) that antenna assembly thats listed in the link (86300-35090) it comes with everything in that picture including a silver mast. Even though the picture shows it's not included. I think if you want a black mast like the TACOs then you order the other part number

Here is the link for it.
The "Taco" Whip Antenna Mod

More than likely your plug in the fender was disconnected by someone who got tired of hearing the motor running.

What should I do if I just want the antenna to stay up all the time, and not go up and back down while I simply change the cd? ;)

I have the same fender flares as you have. It's a pain but I did it when I did my Taco Mod.

Turn wheels to the right, gives you a little more room.
Pull the black plastic fender liner towards you. You have to release 2 round clips(pic) that hold it to the body. Release those 2 clips(pic) and pull out the fender liner. You don't have to pull it all the way out,You can't anyway. Once you have that liner pulled out of the way a little stick you head in there with a flashlight and take a look for the electric plug. Its covered over with a clear plastic cover. Just unplug it. Make sure you have the radio on and antenna up when you do it. You can just zip tie the pigtail up out of the way so it doesn't rattle around in the fender.
If you break or misplace the plastic clips that hold the liner to the body like I did you can get them a parts store that sells autobody supplies or you can go to the dealer to get them.
They look like this picture

Attached Images

 

Thanks, I'm going to check that tomorrow morning. My antenna is currently up all the time.

bass

rather than clipping wires, you can easily pull the head unit and just disconnect the wire from the power out. Its thin and black.

If he just pulls the antenna wire in the back of the H.U. The antenna will still operate. Thats only a signal wire, not the power for the antenna.

I just unplugged it from under the fender. Antenna still works.