Prior to yesterday all was good. Yesterday I began having a problem with my power antenna.

When I power the radio, the antenna starts up (as usual). It gets hung up as the last of the telescopic extensions begins. I hear a grinding noise as the motor tries to send the mast the rest of the way. If I give it just a little help, it will go all the way up.

When trying to retract from all the way up, or from the most of the way up, the motor just grinds away without result. If I give just a slight amount of help to start, the antenna will drop all the way.

It seems like there is a burr or lack of lube that is doing this. The antenna mast does not seem bent at all and sticks at the bushing that is meant to help the last section glide out.

This will drive me nuts in short order....Help!!

 

Sounds like the teeth in the gear strip is are going or are already gone. Basically you need to replace the antenna mast. These usually run about $45 from the stealership. Or you can replace it with an aftermarket permanant antenna.

There is a write up on this board (Antenna Link ) on what is involved.

Best of Luck
Andrew

 

A search will yield...thousands, and I mean thousands of posts about power antenna problems. Hmm...sounds like those things just aren't meant to last like other Toyota parts huh?

Fink

 

Yup.
I was having trouble with the search this morning. Working well now though...

 

Just as a side note, a little Rx to help prevent power antennas from having their little 'problems' is to occasionally wipe your antenna while it is extended with a DRY clean cloth. This will help keep it clean and functioning much longer before problems.

I try to wipe both of my power antennas at least once a month or more if I think of it. No lubrication, dry only.

Hope this helps.

Mick

 

Thanks RR,
BTW I love the avatar of the Lancer.
I have been around a few as they took off. Make twin f-15's on afterburners seem silent.

 

I have a friend who got out of B-1 school a couple months ago and is flying right seat. He's like a kid in a candy store. Never thought bombers could be so much fun.

 

Your antenna cable is broken, just go over to the stealership and get a replacement mast. Then give me a call, I'll help you install it.

 

Glad you seem to have found a solution to that power antenna problem and some help for installing the fix!

 

Woo Hoo!
I checked a few places that had it for less, but all were out of stock at the moment.

So... I decided to go to the stealership and $56 later... I picked up the mast and will be installing asap. Thanks for the offer Bruce. I will talk to you tomorrow about it at Hungry Valley!!