Stock Radio Antenna Question

[NicB]

Hi folks, quick question for you. When I turn on my stereo, regardless of what input mode is selected, my antenna extends partially. Is this by design? For example, let's say I am playing a tape, the antenna is still extended even though the radio tuner is not functioning.

Any thoughts you have are appreciated. Thanks!
NicB

 

[Dwight S]

Stock or aftermarket? If the stereo is stock, then it shouldn't extend unless you are using the radio. If it is aftermarket, then it will extend with power to the stereo, regardless of mode. There are a few threads with ideas about installing an in-line switch to control the antenna.

 

[Mike6158]

Mine comes up "a little" if I manually retract it...

 

[NicB]

It's a stock head unit, but the PO had a Sirius setup and rooftop DVD player. The wiring was a complete hack job, and I'm trying to undo his bad work. My current problem is the MFD is giving an "external system" not connected whenever I hit the disc button. I know the DVD changer in the center console gets power because it loads the discs, and I know there is some sort of connectivity to the MFD because after the load there is a brief pause.

My hunch is the PO screwed something up (I believe he also had an antenna switch, which I took out) and now the DVD changer is not being recognized correctly. Everything appears plugged in correctly in the back of the head unit. I figure the antenna being up when the tape is running is an indicator of some other issue in the background, like a voltage issue, for example. My bet is that all is related.

I removed the Sirius, an FM modulator, the rooftop DVD player, a switch that I believe was an antenna switch, and a remote starter. The birds nest of wires was enough to make anyone cry, and there are still in-line fuses on some of the wires which I have no idea how to address because I don't know what all the wires do.

Anyway...apologies for the rant. Any insights are appreciated.

 

[NicB]

Mine comes up "a little" if I manually retract it...

Even if you are using the tape or CD changer? That is what mine does. I just don't understand why Toyota would have designed it that way. Would be nicer to have it down when tape or CD is playing.

 

[Mike6158]

Some people should be banned from wiring (kidding, sort of ). My PO wired the mirror dimmer power for an aftermarket mirror that was flopping around on the windshield to the EFI fuse. I found where it was wired when the LC wouldn't start at a gas station near a reservation on the Colorado / New Mexico border :/ Thankfully I carry a full stock of fuses and figured out the problem fairly quickly

 

[NicB]

Some people should be banned from wiring (kidding, sort of ). My PO wired the mirror dimmer power for an aftermarket mirror that was flopping around on the windshield to the EFI fuse. I found where it was wired when the LC wouldn't start at a gas station near a reservation on the Colorado / New Mexico border :/ Thankfully I carry a full stock of fuses and figured out the problem fairly quickly

TRUTH!!!!!!!