Broken antenna motor (2000 4Runner)

[ethanlamb]

Does anyone have any experience with trying to fix this problem?

I hear a grinding noise behind the glove box when starting and turning off the engine, only when the radio is turned on. It lasts for about 20 seconds at start-up and 10 seconds at shut down.

I'm assuming the motor is trying to engage the antenna but is unable to for some reason as the antenna is always in the upright position.

I am new to the Toyota brand having just bought this one to replace my totaled F150. Help in getting this rig tip top again would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Ethan

 

[trailmix]

Just put a tacoma antennae on it and get rid of the motorized one, they are fixed so you dont have to deal with that annoying antennae going up and down every time you start the truck, plus when you wheel you can just unscrew it so you arent slapping it on trees and branches.

 

[Edubsam]

Search the Tacoma whip antenna mod. Your motor is busted. The taco whip is a popular fix and replaces the auto up/down antenna.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Just put a tacoma antennae on it and get rid of the motorized one, they are fixed so you dont have to deal with that annoying antennae going up and down every time you start the truck, plus when you wheel you can just unscrew it so you arent slapping it on trees and branches.

What he said. I put a Tacoma fixed antenna on mine, took about 45 minutes.

 

[MTDewX8]

I just unplugged my motor. if i get around to the whip mod I will do it. but not really my concern right now

 

[ethanlamb]

Is the whip antenna the same as the Tacoma antenna that has been mentioned? The whip sounds like a much better solution than dealing with a motor. If different than the tacoma antenna, is this an aftermarket part not sold by Toyota? If so, where's the best place to get one?

Thanks.

 

[4-Ripcord]

These antennas are a common problem, almost everyone deals with it.

My previous owner replaced the entire antenna assembly twice before I bought my truck, and it broke again shortly after. Tacoma whip mod is one of more favorite mods I have done.

.

.

Here is the write up of it in my build:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...unner-build-photo-timeline-11.html#post823108

 

[ethanlamb]

Thanks. Did you buy your Tacoma whip from the dealership? How long was that install time? Did you need any special tools?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Thanks. Did you buy your Tacoma whip from the dealership? How long was that install time? Did you need any special tools?

Its all in the link.

 

[scottyb]

Yeah, all you have to do is unplug the motor. The plug's under the passenger fender. That's what I did after a tree ripped mine off. Before I unplugged it, the motor would do exactly what you're describing.

Like others have said, the taco whip is a more permanent solution. If you offroad much, it's just a matter of time before you loose you antenna. I just got my taco whip on last week and I'm really happy with it.

 

[SnowRambler]

I'm in the same boat, antenna is fully extended and the power antenna motor makes a grinding noise on start-up and shut-down. I snipped the hot wire to the power antenna motor then taped the ends. It's not a fix, but radio works fine and the noise is gone until I can do the whip mod. Ripcord's link will show you where the wires go through the fender.

 

[kruegs]

Good call on snipping the wire. I am likely going to do the same to avoid the noise. Don't really want to pull the fender or the radio to unplug, so this seems viable. I presume the correct wire is the blue one you show in your pic? Thanks

 

[SnowRambler]

Yes the blue wire.

 

[IanB]

Also did the taco whip mod a few weeks ago, it's not hard, takes about 45 min, with a few common hand tools.

 

[kruegs]

Yes the blue wire.

Thanks again... 30 seconds, and no more noise... love it.