New antenna won't completely retract

[American Pie]

I purchased a new antenna mast from the dealer so at $72 I'm committed to making this work...

I've done the R&R procedure according to the factory manual (and according to some past posts on the subject). I set the radio "on" and let the motor fully extend, pushing the old antenna out. Then I fed the new one in and turned the radio "off" which retracts the antenna, however the new one went down only about 6"-8" before the motor stopped. I've tried taking the new antenna out and trying this procedure again several times, but I keep getting the same results.

I'm wondering if the plastic toothed cable from the old antenna has broken inside the motor housing, which won't allow the new cable to fully retract. Is that possible? Is there a small spool inside the motor on which this plastic cable is wound up when it retracts? If so, I can understand why they break easily and often.

Has anybody disassembled the motor to get out fragments of the old cable, then successfully put it back together again?

[Wild_10]

When your car antenna stops working, it can be frustrating. Antenna repair and replacement is not easy, that is, if you don't know what you're doing. If your Toyota antenna is not working, you may be hesitant to see a mechanic. Prices can be pretty steep, so if there is a way to do it yourself, why not?

Lucky for you, it is possible. This article will go over steps to replacing a Toyota antenna, specifically on a Toyota 4Runner. Toyota 4Runner parts can be found in many online Toyota parts stores. Special antenna replacement tools are available, but you should only require basic household tools.

First off, assess the problem. What exactly is going wrong? If your Toyota antenna is making odd sounds or has stopped operating properly, you may need to replace it. If your radio is not functional, this may or may not be a problem with the antenna. If you need to replace your radio, you may want to consult a Toyota 4Runner parts dealer.

If you have determined that the problem is in the antenna, your best bet is probably to replace it. Head to a Toyota 4Runner parts dealer and pick out a new Toyota antenna.

To replace the antenna, first turn on your 4Runner so the motor is running and the radio is off. Use needle nose pliers and insert the tips into the slots on the antenna mast motor nut and remove it.

Turn your car stereo on to allow the Toyota antenna to run up. Pull the mast from the power antenna while the motor is still running. Compare the length of the new antenna mast to the old one. If mast lengths match, install nylon cable into the antenna hole and turn the car stereo off. Feed the cable into power antenna motor assembly.

If at all possible, be sure to find a new Toyota antenna whose mast matches the length of the one you are replacing. Ask your Toyota 4Runner parts dealer if they have the correct length available. If not, then you will have to remove the fender well cover to allow access to the power antenna assembly mounting bolt.

After removing the bolt, pull the power antenna mast assembly down from the mount and push the plastic sleeve up. Remove the black plastic cover from the power antenna and then the inside cover. Remove the nylon cable from the power antenna assembly.

Once this is done, you can install your new Toyota antenna. If this does not work to fix the problem, head to a Toyota 4Runner parts dealer or other maintenance shop to further assess the problem. As a last resort, the Toyota 4Runner parts dealer should be able to help you figure out what's going wrong.

Antenna replacement does not have to warrant a trip to the repair shop. Most problems can be fixed simply by purchasing a new Toyota antenna and installing it yourself. This means you only have to find a Toyota 4Runner parts dealer rather than pay a mechanic. Most Toyota 4Runner parts can be found online, so finding a new Toyota antenna may not even require you to leave your own home.

Be sure to have someone around if you are not familiar with auto repair. Don't attempt to remove or adjust parts you feel may put you at risk. Auto repair can be exciting, but always take precautions to keep yourself safe.

[robcam13]

did u compare the new antennas length to the old one?. i've never had one apart but i will check and see if its possible at work tomorrow.

[American Pie]

I couldn't compare them because the old one was broken. I'm quite sure part of the old cable is still in the motor housing, and will be taking it apart to find out.

[American Pie]

I got the new antenna to work fine, but I had to disassemble the spool several times before I finally got the mast to retract completely. At first, the plastic cable inside the new mast was binding up in the spool when it began retracting. So I took it apart and fed the cable into it manually until the cable began to wind at least a half-turn around the spool. Then I reassembled it, hooked the whole unit up to the power source and let it retract the rest of the way. Pretty straightforward, really.