Camry Radio Antenna - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

psully · 09-20-2004, 10:18 PM

9-20-04

What's up with the power antenna's on my Camry's sticking and eventually burning out. I've had four Camry's and have had to replace the power antenna at least once and on two cars three times! I live in Iowa and the cold weather does seem to make it worse. Any suggestions on lubrication,cleaning or just by passing some wires and making the antenns stationary?

I had a power antenna on Ford Grand Marquis(s) but the antenna was energized by an "up and down" switch and I never had a problem with that type of system.

daisy turtle · 09-21-2004, 01:24 AM

I have to replace the one on my camry also.

What's up with that?

***ASG14*** · 09-21-2004, 01:30 AM

Had to replace my moms too on her '96 wagon. Waste of $30! If you unplug the antenna motor while the antenna is in the up position it will still work fine if you do not wan to replace it.

***EKam*** · 09-21-2004, 08:21 AM

For a permenant fix, you can read up on doing the S2000 antenna conversion from the Camry FAQ.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t6831.html

***Silver Streak*** · 09-21-2004, 08:44 AM

I'll give ya the low down on the power antenna...after dissecting it, and hearing countless of stories, here's my take on why they stink. All are basically due to wear and tear.

1. Antenna mast - Inside the antenna, there's this plastic line that has threading on it which is controlled by a gear to make it go up and down. This typically snaps after prolong use.

2. Plastic gear - There's a plastic gear that connects to some spindle...but that spindle is actually metal, and so it strips the plastic gear after time.

3. Small relay - There's a relay pack on the antenna, and sometimes the relay burns out...it's just too small for this type of application.

***2wickedtoyz*** · 09-21-2004, 08:51 AM

what the hell does this s2000 antenna mod look like

cause i was thinking about shaving mine off

Brujo · 09-21-2004, 11:05 AM

On my antenna I was able to pull it half way up. Now when ever I turn the radio on it goes to that position. I haven't had a whole lot of time to mess with it though but I'm pretty sure that I could oil it up and have it work like (almost) new.

The Wolf · 09-21-2004, 11:33 AM

Try getting a universal antenna from AutoZone or some other auto parts store. Mine was $7 and sticks up about a foot when retracted and works great!