Small antenna in center of windshield

[biophase]

I have a small antenna on the center of my windshield on the inside. The antenna is about 2" long, looks like a walkie-talkie type antenna. Does anyone know what this is for?

While I was looking at 4runners, 99-00 LTD, I noticed that some had them and some did not have them. Is this part of an option that could be on my 4Runner?

 

[biophase]

I'm suprised that nobody has responded. Can someone confirm that they at least have the antenna located on their windshield? I will try to post a picture tomorrow.

 

[momo.75]

I guess it could be some sort of repeater antenna for a cell phone, but I would have to see a pic of it first. Is it just on the inside? Did you buy your truck used and this was already there?

 

[yabedude]

I have a small antenna on the center of my windshield on the inside. The antenna is about 2" long, looks like a walkie-talkie type antenna. Does anyone know what this is for?

While I was looking at 4runners, 99-00 LTD, I noticed that some had them and some did not have them. Is this part of an option that could be on my 4Runner?

Do you have a 3rd party security system? It sounds like a receiver/antenna.

 

[biophase]

I bought my 4runner used and it was already there. I do not have a 3rd party alarm. I have the factory keyless entry system.

The reason I think it's something factory is because while I was shopping for a 4runner, I saw 2 others with the exact same antenna. I think it's highly unlikely that anything aftermarket would be identically installed in 3 4runners on the used market. In fact, I thought it was a standard on 99 4runners until my friend told me he didn't have one in his.

The antenna is a short stubby type, like the kind on the Motorola talk-abouts. I'll get a picture for you guys, but I'm bringing it to the dealer today so I'll also ask them.

 

[bryancos]

Might be the antenna for the keyless entry system?

 

[biophase]

QUOTE]Might be the antenna for the keyless entry system?[/QUOTE]

That's what I think it is, but my friend who has a 99' 4runner LTD with keyless entry does not have this antenna. We'll find out tonight.

 

[yabedude]

I asked about 3rd party security systems because many have little antennae that give the keyless remote much better reception - more distance. Some dealers add extras that are not necessarily standard on vehicles, but possibly done to keep up with competition.

 

[biophase]

Here is a picture of the antenna. Sorry for the poor quality, it was taken with my camera phone.

The wire goes to the left and into the dash board. It becomes a coiled wire right before that point.

 

[TechWrench]

Maybe it is for the remote garage door opener option that some units have?