[ODiN]

My antenna doesn't seem to want to retract anymore when powering off the radio/engine. Granted, I have a 95.5 Tacoma so it's no youngster, but I'm curious how expensive this should be to have repaired or if it's easy enough to replace the whole assembly on my own. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!


-John

 

[AK98Taco]

I emailed you some information on checking and fixing the system.

A wiring schematic is included. The parts identifier for the motor is A8. It is located under the hood, on the passenger side fender, just forward and to passenger of the wiper motor (W3).

If you need me to further explain the stuff I sent you just post up here.

 

[96tacolx]

????? Didn`t realize the Tacos had power antennas. My 96 doesn`t.
Guess I just never really paid attention.

 

[ODiN]

Thanks a lot AK! I'll check out those docs.

 

[Tacominator]

Does it make noise? If so, it's a busted plastic mast coil...

 

[Rob]

I bent my power antenna on my 4Runner in a parking structure. So that was the end of it retracting, and while I was driving on the freeway it came completely off and caught between the a-pillar and the side mirror.

 

[ODiN]

Tacominator,

Yeah I can hear the motor trying to retract it, but it doesn't move. Where's the plastic mast coil located and how is it replaced? Thanks.

 

[AK98Taco]

Good luck.

 

[psycho]

IF the motor is working, then your pretty stoked.

What you want to do is unbolt the top secureing "castle" nut and try to pull the motor out from underneath the fender.

I would probably just plan on buying a new mast from Toyota...i got one for under $50...Or, you can simply just change it over to a regular whip antenna.

But, the main thing is to take apart the motor and see if there is any broken plastic peices. The antenna is obviously metal outside, but the inside is a toothed plastic piece which is used by the motor to push up and down the mast.

A lot of the times, the plastic gets old and eventually breaks off in the motor.

I was lucky and got the plastic out easily. Then, I just put the motor back where it was supposed to go and put in a new antenna. You'll want to have a friend help you putting the antenna back in. Makes things A LOT easier. One holds the antenna and feeds it into the motor and the other turns the radio off.

If you go to the dealership they will just tell you how to fix it as well....er, well mine told me cause I had no clue what to do at first.

 

[Tacominator]

Do what that guy said. Don't try to unplug the antenna wire, just pull the plastic bits out while the antenna is in the fender well. Then, put it back togethor, put back in truck, and turn on the antenna. Let it run till the motor stops. Shut it off and shove the new mast in while it's retracting. Tighten the top nut with the proper tool after the mast gets sucked in all the way. Sometimes just some needle nose or snap ring pliers will work if you don't buy the 4 prong tool for the nut. Good luck!