2004 Power Antenna Mast Replacement

[Mike Gerber]

My brother-in-law's 2000 has a problem with the power antenna mast. It is stuck in the up position. When you turn the radio on or off you can hear the motor working, but it does not go up or down. I tried taking the retaining nut off and turning the radio on and off but it still exhibits the same problem-the motor makes noise like it's winding, but the mast doesn't move. I had replaced the power mast on my 94 Camry years ago and it came right out after the retaining nut was removed aand the radio was turned on. Since it won't move, what do I have to do to get the mast out? Do I have to pull it up while the motor is turning? Will this method damage anything? Do I have to remove the motor assembly itself and then take that apart? Does anybody have any experience with this problem? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Mike

[Brian R.]

Can you push (or better pull) the mast down at any time with some force?

Can you get at the motor with the fender liner removed?

Sounds like a warranty repair. Can't he just bring it in to a dealer?

[umsam]

You should just take out the whole motor and get the mask out. You can try to pull it out when the motor is pushing it out, but you might have to open the motor if all of the plastic gear part don't come out. Often the gear part breaks inside the motor, this is why the mask is stuck.

[Mike Gerber]

Brian,

It's a 2000 with around 48,000 miles. It's out of warranty. I was reluctant to pull or push too hard without knowing what to expect. Can I make matters worse and have to replace the whole motor assembly? It's probably pretty expensive. I was also hoping not to have to remove the whole assembly as it looks like you have to take out the inner fender to get to it.

Nice to talk to you on another forum beside the Camry forum.

Mike

[Mike Gerber]

Brian,

I don't know where my head was. The 4 Runner is a 2000, not a 2004. Now I understand your question about warranty.

Mike

[Mike Gerber]

Moderators,

Can you correct the title to read 2000 instead of 2004?

Thanks.

Mike

[Brian R.]

My fault, I didn't read your first post carefully.

Here is the way you are supposed to remove the antenna (probably won't work exactly as planned)

Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" position and then remove the antenna nut.

Press the AM and FM buttons on the radio and simultaneously turn the ignition switch to the "ACC" position.

(Hold the rod) The rod should extend fully and be released from the antenna motor. After removing the antenna rod, leave the ignition switch in the "ACC" position.

If you follow this procedure, you should be able to pull the antenna out without damage, since it is supposed to come out with this procedure.

[Brian R.]

If you have to remove the antenna assembly:

Disconnect the antenna cable by removing the radio and pulling the connector from the back.

Free the antenna cable from the 4 clamps behind the dash.

Remove the antenna nut and ornament. Remove fender liner (3 clips?).

Remove the antenna assembly by disconnecting the connector and then remove the bolt and then the antenna assembly (may need 2 people).

I have complete information on testing the motor and circuits if you need that.

[Mike Gerber]

Brian,

I spent some time on it today. I was able to get the mast out but about 1 foot or so of the geared pigtail was broken off and left in the assembly. I spent about an hour trying to get that inner fender liner off. I couldn't do it. I removed about 4 or 5 10MM bolts and 2 of the clips (of course I broke one of them), but something was holding the liner in from the bottom; I couldn't see what it was or get at it.

Are you sure you just have to remove the 3 clips? Where are the 3 clips located? Do you or anyone else know what would happen if I left the old piece in there and tried to feed in a new antenna and whip? I was tempted to do that today but came to my senses.

Does anyone have a detailed picture of how to get the inner fender out and perhaps a detailed picture of the inside of the power motor assembly? Are there any other ways to get that remaining piece of threaded pigtail out of there?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Mike

[Brian R.]

There is nothing in the Toyota maintenance manual (nor Chiltons, nor Haynes) that show any part of the motor other than the outside.

The only drawing of the inner fender fasteners show three clips (if you have a wheel opening extension) top, front, and back. No other drawing is available. Everyone says three clips. It is considered so easy that no one supplies detailed information /sarcasm.

If the motor works, it should spit out the pigtail with the procedure for expelling the antenna.

[Brian R.]

Update: I went and looked at a vehicle and it looks like at least 4 clips and 4 or 5 bolts. I guess you can't trust anyone anymore...

I guess you're in uncharted territory. I would take a trip to the Toyota dealer and see if I can find a mechanic who has done this and get the information on this job. Toyota sure dropped the ball on this.

[Mike Gerber]

Brian,

Not a bad idea about going to the Toyota dealer and trying to talk to a tech. Is there a trick you know of to get the clips off without breaking them? Now I'm beginning to think you get at them from the back side, but I don't have the car here to check. They are kind of square with a round head and taper to a smller size as they go in to the hole. The replacement one I got at the dealer to put back (not exactly the right size) had little nibs below the head that grab on to something inside to hold the panel on.

I put the mast back in for her so her radio does play; it just stays in an upright position so she can't take it to a carwash. I showed her you actually can get it down by shutting the radio and running outside and slightly pushing the antenna down while the motor is still whirling. It does go all they way down and then comes back up the next time you turn on the radio. Now she can get the car washed.

It's funny something that should be so simple causes me this much grief.

Mike

[Brian R.]

You have to install the mast from the motor position at which you removed it. Follow the instructions I provided for removal and then leave the ignition in the ACC position and insert the mast. Turn the ignition off and the mast should retract normally.

[Mike Gerber]

Brian,

Thanks again for the information. I don't know when I will get to her vehicle again. The next time I'll make sure my brother-in-law brings it over. When my sister brings it over she also brings along her rather large Belgian Sheep Dog. He is a great dog, but would rather I play with him then work on the car. It's rather hard working under the wheel-well when an 80 pound dog wants to see what you are doing. No urgancy right now as the radio works and the antenna can be made to retract with a bit of assistance.

Mike

[Brian R.]

The clips are easy to remove without breaking if you can get to the other side (of course). I don't know of any way to salvage them if you can't. They are very cheap, so I always buy what I need to replace all of them immediately before I do the job.