removing flex antenna mast before going into car wash

[ziya20]

Hello,

My HL is 2009 and I am very new with that.
I was wondering if you have to remove the flex mast before entering
carwash and how do you go about doing that.
Tried to unscrew it by hand but it does not turn.

Thank you for your help

[thenebula873]

It should be able to twist off. I was able to remove my antenna by twisting it off to replace it with a shorter one (the OEM mast kept hitting the garage door). If it doesn't twist, try taking a wrench to it and gently twist it off.

I don't know about the car wash though. I prefer hand-washing, weather permitting.

[TrailDust]

Hello, Ziya, and welcome to the nation!

I know the flex antenna comes off because mine almost fell off after being vibrated on washerboard roads. I had to take a wrench and torque that baby tight, so much so that it hasn't budged since.

[black_sedan]

are there any good replacements?

[Camread]

what's the point of these antennas? even a camry standard has the in-glass type.

[ziya20]

Thank you all for welcoming me.
Yes, what is that built into the windshield then, back of the
rear-view-mirrow. is'nt that antenna as well?
fixed mast is kind of old design, however results in better reception in all condition I guess.

Cheers,

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by ziya20

Thank you all for welcoming me.
Yes, what is that built into the windshield then, back of the
rear-view-mirrow. is'nt that antenna as well?
fixed mast is kind of old design, however results in better reception in all condition I guess.

Cheers,

The black dots near the rear view mirror is simply to act as a "tint" (for lack of a better word) against the sun. The antenna is actually printed onto the rear side windows (beside the third row of seats), but apparently not on all trim lines (I can only speak for the 09 Limited, which does have this). I didn't realize that the Base models had the fixed mast type antenna.

[ziya20]

Hello guys,

still can not remove the antenna mast by hand, do you think it is safe to go through touch-less car wash (Shell gas stations) with the antenna not removed?


Thanks,

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by ziya20

Hello guys,

still can not remove the antenna mast by hand, do you think it is safe to go through touch-less car wash (Shell gas stations) with the antenna not removed?


Thanks,

If it is just the metal antenna, I wouldn't worry about it. That being said, what I would worry about is the hood deflector (if you have one) and the rear wiper. And the water spray will likely not be your problem; it will be the air dryer at the end. I took mine through one of these when it was about two weeks old...no issues with the washing process, just at the end with the air blasting dryers. They broke one clip on my hood deflector, and looked to come close to blowing off the rear wiper. I would wait until warmer weather and wash it at home. Just my $0.02.

[Camread]

uh, instead of waiting for warmer weather and washing it at home, why not use the self washing bay that are available at most car wash places? plus you can get underneath the vehicle with the spray wand better.

[SmileyBone]

Hi Guys, I'm new here as well. I'm bringing this back up since I have the same problem. My mast antenna is hitting the garage door every time I go in our out. Is there any good quality aftermarket antenna that would fit there ??

Thanks

[TrailDust]

Welcome to the Highlander forum, Smiley! You might want to check out this thread that offers a suggestion or two....

[mikmabz]

Hey Dman1, what brand of hood deflector do you have? I had the OEM on my previous ride (Matrix) and didn't encounter any problems with it at the carwash. Thanks!

[SmileyBone]

Thanks for the link TrailDust!

[Thunderchief]

My new HL, sticker more thank 30K and I have this stupid mast. C'mon Toyota, these went out of style in the 1970's. My least favorite feature but if the car is running as good as she does, I should shut my yap, there are bigger fish to fry in life other than this pet peeve of mine.