F#*%ing Power Antenna (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Gauge
- Start date
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I just replaced the factory mast on my 97 on Friday. I think I only spent $35 for a factory unit. I hate the thought of having inoperative buttons and I like the look of a fully retracted antenna.
For my normal usage I set the antenna to about half way up for most stations. It works fine and should save on catching the thing on garage doors or trees. I think with a little preventative maintenance this should work fine and last a while. We'll see how it goes.
For my normal usage I set the antenna to about half way up for most stations. It works fine and should save on catching the thing on garage doors or trees. I think with a little preventative maintenance this should work fine and last a while. We'll see how it goes.
Mine got wacked off and the radio still works so im not replacin it till it wont work at all. Haha!
I replaced mine with OEM for the fun of it, and the pleasure of being able to adjust it heightwise (supercool!) but if it conks out too fast, next time I may well go with the little rubber stubby...
I replaced the entire unit on my moms truck, looking for another 6-8 years of reliable use.
Replaced just the mast ($30) on my '93. It still works, but doesn't really want to. I think the automatic function of the later model radios contributes to wear. I keep mine up unless there is some reason to bring it down, and it works fine 12 years later. I can stand replacing it every 12 years.
Replaced just the mast ($30) on my '93. It still works, but doesn't really want to. I think the automatic function of the later model radios contributes to wear. I keep mine up unless there is some reason to bring it down, and it works fine 12 years later. I can stand replacing it every 12 years.
- Thread starter
- #26
I think the automatic function of the later model radios contributes to wear.
Cruiser GA, I agree. Does anyone know how to disable the automatic up / down feature of the OEM antenna so it only goes down when I push the antenna down button? I see no reason why the antenna needs to go down every time I turn the vehicle off only to go back up every time I start it back up again. Ridiculous.
Cruiser GA, I agree. Does anyone know how to disable the automatic up / down feature of the OEM antenna so it only goes down when I push the antenna down button? I see no reason why the antenna needs to go down every time I turn the vehicle off only to go back up every time I start it back up again. Ridiculous.
The blue wire is the power , for mine anyway . However , I can't recall if disconnecting that would also cause lack of operation to the up/down buttons . You want to isolate the two , yes ? 'Erase' the antenna memory function 
, but still have up/down control ...
Where's that electric manual of mine ..
TY
, but still have up/down control ...Where's that electric manual of mine ..
TY
- Thread starter
- #29
T Y L E R said:The blue wire is the power , for mine anyway . However , I can't recall if disconnecting that would also cause lack of operation to the up/down buttons . You want to isolate the two , yes ? 'Erase' the antenna memory function
Where's that electric manual of mine ..
TY
Yes I do want to isolate the two. I only want the up down switch to work.
I just bought my first LX450 (1997) and I have the same problem. Toothed plastic cable is broken, I ordered one from the dealer but am unsure of how to extract the broken one from the motor. It looks like I'll have to remove the inner fender well to get at the motor. Is there an easier way? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Read more in this thread, or use the search function. It can be found under the 80s faq section as well. Very good detail, including almost everything you wish to know....
Anyone electrically talented interested in telling me what wires to cut/splice to eliminate the auto function but leave the manual function? I don't have a '97 FSM and likely the wires are different from my 93 so I'm blind. I'll be a guinea pig if someone will tell me what to do. I'll be in there replacing the antenna next weekend, so go for it!!
DougM
DougM
NorCalDoug
problems solved daily...
Doug,
Is it that you don't like the auto up/down feature for the antenna or that you're concerned that over use of the gear will lead to early failure?
Is it that you don't like the auto up/down feature for the antenna or that you're concerned that over use of the gear will lead to early failure?
Both, really. In addition, I live up North where while you're driving ice can build up on the antenna to the point where it will create its own unstable airfoil and wag back and forth on the highway. Having it automatically try to retract at the next gas stop risks stripping the gears or other damage. Same applies starting an ice coated truck when it tries to go up. I'm looking for manual control with the power up/down switches.
DougM
DougM
- Thread starter
- #36
I'm with Idaho Doug. I want to MANUALLY control when my antenna goes up and down. I cannot begin to remember all the power antennas I have replaced over the years (on many cars) and as I recall they all broke in the winter. In addition to the ice, I think the cold makes the plastic gear hard and more susecptible (sp?) to cracking or breaking.
I would love to see somebody do a tech write up on this.
I would love to see somebody do a tech write up on this.
I'm spoiled because I've had a '93 for 12 years and it has been a joy to have the antenna do what I want vs what the Toyota Audio Manager wants. Anyone know a way to foil this feature? So far I've gotten one suggestion to snip the blue wire. Anyone with an electrical FSM diagram that can help out? I'll do a writeup - promise!!
DougM
DougM
One of the features of my 80 is the absence of a power antenna. I really like them. If anyone is really sick of theirs, I'd take it off your hands for the right price...
Right hand drive, of course
David
Right hand drive, of course
David
