Auto antennae

[LostDog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close LostDog]

Hi all,
This being my first post, I'd like to say "Hi" and thanks for all the great useful info here.

I'm having strife with the aerial, it only comes up about 4 inches, rather than all the way. (Common complaint in my household).

I read a thread on the standard automatic aerial a couple of days ago and cant find it again! Anyway, I extracted the aerial section (without removing the whole unit) to see whether or not there's any obvious damage. It doesnt appear to have any. Whilt removing it the motor would only run a short little bit while I held onto the aerial in the up direction, but would totoall draw it in in the down direction. Once out, I lubed it up and re-inserted it, with pretty much the same result.

I observed that when the aerial was out the motor would wind in both directions substantially longer than what it does when the aerial is in, thus leading me to believe that there may be something (perhaps a setting) for the up direction that may need changing. I can't believe that the unit is buggered.

So, please advise whether there is an "limit" setting for the up direction which I need to attempt to set.

Regards
Dave

[Robo76 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Robo76]

Re: Auto antennae

Hi Dave,

I would say that the toothed cord that is on the end of the aerial pole has broken off inside the motor. This is very common with toyotas and i use to replace heaps when working at a toyota dealership. If you un-screw the chrome ring around where the aerial comes out then turn on the radio, you can pull the pole and the remaining cord out. You will find the cord will be alot shorter than a new one. You will need to remove the motor assembly and get all remaining broken pieces out and then re-assemble and install. Then all you need to do is get some one to turn radio off while you stand at the ready to feed new cord and pole in. Screw on chrome ring and you are good to go.

Hope this helps

[LostDog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close LostDog]

Re: Auto antennae

Thanks Robo,

I found the original thread which got me thinking about "limit switches"
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1342

Somewhere near the end of the thread Baz mentions his mechanic using the manual adjustment botton / switches next to the radio. It's these ellusive things that I am after. I'd like to try the easier route before stripping the entire unit.

[Goodo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Goodo]

Re: Auto antennae

Hi Dave,

Ive got a 99 snowy and I have this switch near the radio, i can set the antennae to what ever height i need. when i turn the vehicle back on the antennae will always return to what ever level i set it at..
I know it may not help much but the switch is obvious... so maybe its not in all models..

Cheers

Tim

[LostDog Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close LostDog]

Re: Auto antennae

I'm quite happy that none of you can see my face right now - thanks Tim.
If it was any more obvious it would have bit me! Real embarrassed!
ops:

PS: Radio working now.

[tdko Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close tdko]

Re: Auto antennae

Yeh. I discovered if you set the antenna to a certain height as you switch off the moter the antenna goes down all the way then when you turn the motor back on with the radio on it will go back to the same height you previously had it. To change the height for next tome just use the up/down button. Hope this helps.