retractable antenna problems
- Thread starter jtroop
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delzo
New member
I can only help you with part of your problem. The motor is just doing it's thing, NOT burning out. It times out after a few seconds and it's OK; just annoying.
I think if you pull the fuse or cut a wire, the radio won't work so that's a bad option. Do a search for "antenna" and there's detailed instructions with pics on how to fix it the easiest way. You can buy a new mast and ribbon gear for about $50 at the dealer if you are willing to get a little dirty and sore!
Here, this'll make it quicker!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8838&highlight=antenna+mast
I think if you pull the fuse or cut a wire, the radio won't work so that's a bad option. Do a search for "antenna" and there's detailed instructions with pics on how to fix it the easiest way. You can buy a new mast and ribbon gear for about $50 at the dealer if you are willing to get a little dirty and sore!
Here, this'll make it quicker!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8838&highlight=antenna+mast
Last edited:
mikes4runner
New member
flicky99
New member
disable the antenna
I just bought my '96 4runner and had the same problem with the antenna. All you need to do is pull back the plastic housing under the front right wheel and there is a sensor plug that attaches to the antenna. This is the power source to the antenna. Disconnect it and the radio will still work fine. Who needs a power antenna anyway?! Takes only a few minutes.
I just bought my '96 4runner and had the same problem with the antenna. All you need to do is pull back the plastic housing under the front right wheel and there is a sensor plug that attaches to the antenna. This is the power source to the antenna. Disconnect it and the radio will still work fine. Who needs a power antenna anyway?! Takes only a few minutes.
Ill4Runner
Member
I bought mine last Sept. and it took one freezing ass winter for the antenna to get iced up and not retract. I think I will turn the radio off this winter and just listen to my fav CD's.
tarheeltp17
New member
Its pretty simple to replace the mast. Basically all you have to do is take off a little nut at the top of the antenna base, turn the radio on and pull the old mast out. Then take your new one and feed it back down and turn the car off and it should grab the gears and pull it down completely. Then again, I work at an audio shop so this is daily procedures. Eh... I can take pictures if it helps? None the less you can just pull your antenna up if possible and then cut the power antenna wire. Reception will still be fine as long as the antenna is up!
there's a write up either here or yota's about a installing one of those black tough as hell antennas.
I looked into yotatech.com but I souldnt find it. Im sure someone here will post the link.
** I did find a link to fix the stock.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8838&highlight=antenna
Peace,
Drew
I looked into yotatech.com but I souldnt find it. Im sure someone here will post the link.
** I did find a link to fix the stock.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8838&highlight=antenna
Peace,
Drew
Power Antenna Relay
If the mast is not bent or broken, I think the problem is the antenna relay. If you want to disable the power actuation of the antenna, you can disconnect the under-dash relay without having to go into the fender well. The relay is a cigarette box-sized thingy that's mounted on the inside firewaill behind the brake pedal.
Put the antenna in the position you want to keep it (up or down) and unplug the relay. The antenna will still provide signal to the radio, just won't go up & down. Then, you can plug the relay back in if you want to power the antenna down for a car wash, etc.
I'm trying to find a source for replacement relays....if you know of any, please post. Thanks.
If the mast is not bent or broken, I think the problem is the antenna relay. If you want to disable the power actuation of the antenna, you can disconnect the under-dash relay without having to go into the fender well. The relay is a cigarette box-sized thingy that's mounted on the inside firewaill behind the brake pedal.
Put the antenna in the position you want to keep it (up or down) and unplug the relay. The antenna will still provide signal to the radio, just won't go up & down. Then, you can plug the relay back in if you want to power the antenna down for a car wash, etc.
I'm trying to find a source for replacement relays....if you know of any, please post. Thanks.
Here's that link to the fixed antenna mod, apparently a Tacoma mast is used. Seems like a good idea if you want to completely eliminate those annoying pwr antenna probs in the future.
http://www.4runners.org/articles/whip/
http://www.4runners.org/articles/whip/
I know that this thread is back from 2006 but it was definitely very helpful and worked perfectly. My question is I am having issues with the reception of the radio it is very staticy and also dont catch stations that normal radios do. Anyone have any tips or ideas... i guess i should also add i have a Pioneer Premier DEH-P660 desk installed.
any help would be very much apprecaited.
any help would be very much apprecaited.
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
I assume you want to put a new antenna in or do the Tacoma wip mod. Gotta take out the glove box and the top piece of the inner part of the glove box. Un hook it from your stereo and give it little tugs to see where it goes it's held by three clips on top of and towards the back of the heater/ AC duct you can see once you remove the glove box and top piece. Once you get it all unclipped and have access to the motor in the fender well, take about 6 foot of 12 or 14 gauge wire and electrical tape it the end of the antenna that hooked in the back of the stereo (make sure it's the larger antenna wire and not the smaller diversity antenna) Don't use too much tape and make sure its held on well by giving it a good strong pull. Then pull the antenna wire from the fender well. It may get stuck a couple times, especially when it disappears right before it goes through the wheel well. If it does get stuck then just pull it back with the wire you have taped to the antenna. Once you have it "snaked" all the way through, undo and remove the old wire and antenna and repeat the electrical tape process and pull it back through from inside using the same methods used previously. Good luck!
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
I gave you directions for the antenna replacement, but it sounds like you want to check the connections. The are 2 antenna connections, as I briefly alluded to. If all is still connected you should still get pretty good reception with the diversity antenna embedded in the side rear passenger window ( looks like a defroster wire, even if your front antenna isn't up or is broke. It's a smaller connection then the standard antenna connections on most aftermarket stereos. There are adapters and "Y" connectors made By Metra that can make all your antenna connections. If you need links to these, I find them. I bought mine on Amazon.
JRZEE2000TR4LTD
Senior Member
"Y" connector Amazon.com : Metra 40-UV43 Male to Female Motorola Antenna Cable : Vehicle Audio Video Antennas : Car Electronics
Adapter for diversity antenna cable Amazon.com : Scosche Mda-B Micro/Delco Antenna Adapter Tip : Vehicle Audio Video Antennas : Car Electronics
I doubt that cable would crack. When you say you switched the antenna you mean you replaced the mast? Hook that "Y" adapter into your HU then one end would have the adapter with the diversity antenna and the other side would have the front power antenna. If you still don't have reception something's wrong with your HU. Good luck!