Problem with Power Antenna
- Thread starter peter78
- Start date
jacknanita55
New member
You can also take the motorized unit out and replace it with a whip like on the tacos. I ordered one from the dealer 66.00 with a black mast. Since I replaced the mast it has broke twice.
jacknanita55
New member
garrettpaschal
New member
This is extremely unhelpful but whenever my friends get in the car I always turn off the radio and then turn in back on to see that antenna go up. The response, "5 minutes into Netflix and chill"
mbeezy1776
New member
Having the same issue
Antenna stays down and won't extend when I turn it on
Sounds like motor is trying to pull it back down when I shut it off but since it's already down it goes on for a minute and sounds like motor is just tearing itself uo
Antenna stays down and won't extend when I turn it on
Sounds like motor is trying to pull it back down when I shut it off but since it's already down it goes on for a minute and sounds like motor is just tearing itself uo
TheDurk
Elite Member
Forgive me, but this seems like a recommendation to fix and keep the motorized antenna. You won't break the mast when it's retracted.
I don't get all the power antenna hate on here. Mine has required maintenance once in fifteen years, and has been trouble-free since I did it. I like it, and I'm glad I took the trouble to fix it. And it cost me all of $30. In fifteen years.
jacknanita55
New member
The mast with the gear cable broke twice on mine, I cleaned out and lubricated the drive gear both times. I love the power antenna but it was cheaper and a viable alternative for me to replace it with a fixed mast. Not hating on the power antenna.
GHARP57
New member
What did you do to service it? Mine worked when I got the truck and then it just stopped. no motor noise or anything. I do have shitty reception as well, I may just go ahead and replace it to try and improve my signal
TheDurk
Elite Member
Mine just needed a new mast, plus surgery to clean out the old one. Yours could be a bum relay (under the dash) or a problem with your head unit, or the wiring. Or it could be your mast died and the broken tail jammed the drive gear. Did you test the old one when you got it out?
GHARP57
New member
havent pulled mine yet
TheDurk
Elite Member
Well, I wouldn't give up on it until you have it on a test bench (aka kitchen table or whatever). Put positive and negative 12V to the pins, and then reverse. See if it has any sign of life.
You can also test the plug in the fender well to see if it is sending 12V+ when the radio is called.
giguchan
Senior Member
Guess I forgot to mention that I finally got around to getting this antenna thing sorted out.
Replaced the antenna and also removed any and all broken teeth in the motor. I did have to turn the wheel to remove the motor... I removed the screws cleaned it out and re lubed it with grease. I was advised to use Teflon but I didn't have any.. I hope the grease wont freeze or get hard during the winter.
Currently all is well... it works as it should and it also pretty quiet.
Replaced the antenna and also removed any and all broken teeth in the motor. I did have to turn the wheel to remove the motor... I removed the screws cleaned it out and re lubed it with grease. I was advised to use Teflon but I didn't have any.. I hope the grease wont freeze or get hard during the winter.
Currently all is well... it works as it should and it also pretty quiet.
Removing power to the Power antenna
I have had my power antennae fail twice. The first time I replace the unit. Instructions on the site are great. Second time I simply disconnected the power to the motor. This stops the motor running, and the associated groining sounds. If your antenna mast is extended you will continue to get a good radio signal.
Removing the power cable takes about 20 minutes. Remove the bolts holding the mud plate in the right front wheel well. Peel back and you will be able to reach the antenna motor. The power cable is fed through a weatherproof cover that is sealed with some electrical tape. Simply remove the tape, unplug the power and seal everything up.
I have had my power antennae fail twice. The first time I replace the unit. Instructions on the site are great. Second time I simply disconnected the power to the motor. This stops the motor running, and the associated groining sounds. If your antenna mast is extended you will continue to get a good radio signal.
Removing the power cable takes about 20 minutes. Remove the bolts holding the mud plate in the right front wheel well. Peel back and you will be able to reach the antenna motor. The power cable is fed through a weatherproof cover that is sealed with some electrical tape. Simply remove the tape, unplug the power and seal everything up.
giguchan
Senior Member
Agreed.
The only thing i wish i had was the actual "Wrench" to tighten up the mast nut... I hate the idea of using a flat blade screwdriver with gentle taps...
I think the next time i go for an oil change -if i remember. i'll ask them to maybe tighten it up.Hopefully they have the tool.
The only thing i wish i had was the actual "Wrench" to tighten up the mast nut... I hate the idea of using a flat blade screwdriver with gentle taps...
I think the next time i go for an oil change -if i remember. i'll ask them to maybe tighten it up.Hopefully they have the tool.
and again reviving a dead thread, hope this isn't a problem.
regarding the power antenna, on 4runners it is powered by the DOME fuse under the hood. a problem with the antenna is that the motor housing can fill with water and short that fuse, leaving you with no radio, no interior lights, and life with no tunes is no fun. Go into the passenger wheel well, open the fender mud guard, and unplug the power lead to the antenna. Seal everything back up, manually pull the antenna up, replace the 15A fuse, and viola, interior lights and radio again.
regarding the power antenna, on 4runners it is powered by the DOME fuse under the hood. a problem with the antenna is that the motor housing can fill with water and short that fuse, leaving you with no radio, no interior lights, and life with no tunes is no fun. Go into the passenger wheel well, open the fender mud guard, and unplug the power lead to the antenna. Seal everything back up, manually pull the antenna up, replace the 15A fuse, and viola, interior lights and radio again.
brillo_76
Elite Member
I have replaced 2 masts thus far. The first one was missing when i got the rig. The 2nd one on Tetanus 1 worked great till a tree branch tagged it. It bent it just enough that it would stick up that last section plus an inch. I just replaced it and re tapped up the bag cover on it.
