Power Antenna Quit Working

[jeremy 4runner]

My power antenna quit working this weekend. I can hear the motor work but I think the cable broke or something. I was wondering if anyone has had good reception with the short flexible rubber coated antennaes. If someone breaks it of Im trying to decide what would work and stil be good to have when you are out in the woods 4wheelin and tree branches are hanging low.

 

[nserpa9248]

that, and the interior glass mount antennas work well..The only thing is that the AM from them is horrible if not non-existent.

 

[animator]

The plastic ribbon inside the mast is broken.

You'll need a new mast ($50 from dealership, cheaper on ebay) and you'll need to pull out the motor to remove any broken pieces of plastic that's down inside.

It's a simple thing to fix, and should take about an hour in your driveway with basic tools. Search here or on yotatech.com for writeups how to fix it.

Or instead of buying a mast, buy a Tacoma whip antenna for the replacement. This way you'll never have to worry about it again. You'll want to disconnect or remove the motor if you do this.

I've replaced my mast once already, and if it breaks again, I'll replace it with a Taco whip antenna.

I didn't get that good of reception with just the rear glass antenna....

 

[kingbiscuit]

I just had them unplug the motor last time I went to the shop. That motor is irritating, I really don't need it to go up and down every time I turn off/on the car. Maybe I just am not very particular.

 

[ZECHS]

@animator

does the tac antenna have better reception quality than the original folding one?

tnx

 

[nserpa9248]

there wouldnt be a difference between the two in theory (as far as signal goes).

 

[Rob96]

Mine broke in the up position. I just left it be.

 

[Fitz]

I bought the $15 replacement mast on ebay. It has worked out fine so far (only about a week).

 

[trd_4runnin]

I did the Taco whip antenna mod. So far its been one of my best investments. Both parts were only $50 at the dealership I worked at, employee cost. I bought the tacoma whip antenna, and the 4Runner non-power antenna assembly which came with a silver antenna. I still get good reception, it looks 10 times better in my opinion and is not gonna break off the second I hit a twig!

 

[Cory]

the same thing happened to me. one day out of the blue, the antenna just stopped going down. you could hear the loud squealing of the motor as it tried to pull the mast down but it wouldn't. so i just disconnected it

at least it got stuck in the up position rather than down.

 

[Fitz]

All but the bottom piece of the mast was missing from my Runner when I bought it.

trd_4runnin - do you have a pic of the antenna on yours?

 

[CaleWVU]

I pulled the motor out and stuck in a silver metal fized antenna from advanced auto for $6. Looks good with my SS grille guard and polished aluminum rims. Reception hasnt changed and i picked up .00001 in the 1/4 mile since i got rid of all that weight of the motor. (please observe the sarcasm of the 1/4 mile)

 

[trd_4runnin]

All but the bottom piece of the mast was missing from my Runner when I bought it.

trd_4runnin - do you have a pic of the antenna on yours?

I just looked through my pictures and I dont have anything right now, but I will get a pic today and post.

 

[trd_4runnin]

I couldn't really get a good pic to show the whip antenna ...but then I found this one that actually shows it pretty good!!

 

[Fitz]

I couldn't really get a good pic to show the whip antenna ...but then I found this one that actually shows it pretty good!!

Looks good, thanks. If my new mast doesn't hold up, I may go that route.