I am replacing the antenna mast on my 1989 Camry Wagon. The original mast broke, but the motor still works. I purchased the replacement mast and would like to install it myself. I looked through the repair manual that came with the car, but it doesn't have anything in enough detail on the subject. Could anyone give me some good details/instructions on how to do that?

There is usually a sequence of buttons on the radio that extend the mast so that it can be removed. You need to insert the new mast at that point and retract it with some other sequence (or just turning the radio off). Since each car is somewhat different, I'd get with the service department of a dealer and see if you can talk to a mechanic at the end of the day and get the information from him. Other than buying a service manual or getting lucky and finding someone with one, I don't know how else to get this information.

You can try http://www.installdr.com/ and see if you can find the information there.

BTW, if you feel lucky, the sequence for removing the antenna from a 3rd generation Camry is:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK position
2. Remove antenna nut
3. Press the AM or FM button simultaneously with turning the ignition key to the ACC position. The antenna will extend and be released from the motor (hold on to it to keep it from damaging the body finish).
4. Insert the new antenna with the teeth in the same orientation as was found in the old antenna (rear of vehicle?) and turn ignition to LOCK to withdraw the antenna into the motor. You may have to twist the antenna back and forth to get it to retract. If it doesn't retract all the way the first time, install the antenna mast nut and operate the radio. It may retract the second time.

10+ years ago the power antenna on my 87 wagon was binding. As I recall it I removed the unit and found what made it go up and down was a smooth flexible metal cable that wound into a coil in the unit and extended into the mast shaft. No teeth. I took it apart and cleaned and relubed it. Didn't have to replace the mast but it wouldn't have taken much more effort. The details are sketchy but, I recall I didn't remove the interior panel all the way. Just loosened it and pivoted it open from the bottom. Probably had problems getting the top of the panel loose. Just need to lower the antenna and remove three/four bolts and a connector to get the unit out. Then have to remove five/six screws to take the unit's cover off. Not much in it besides a motor, a couple gears the coiled cable and a small circuit board.

Sure hope yours has the teeth. I replaced an antenna on a 94 sedan that had teeth on a white plastic "cable". Took 2-3 minutes. It was just as Brian R described.

BTW - The mast on my 87 wagon has since broken off. Where did you get your replacement mast? Have you had to replace the two risers on the rear hatch? If so, where did you get the new ones? I'm not paying $100+ at the dealer. Got a set from PepBoys once that said they were for the car but, there was no way in hell they could be installed without major surgery. The 87 seems to be the bastard child on many aftermarket parts.

I replaced the mast on my 94. It had the nylon teeth. All I had to do was remove the nut (ring) and then turn the radio or car on. The mast just comes right out as it extends. There were no special buttons or codes to enter. Installing the new mast was just feed it in with the teeth in the same direction as the one that came out and turn the radio or car off. The new mast is just retracted in to the main unit. Then you just reinstall the nut (ring).

Mike