My antenna isn't going up and down very well anymore, and rather than having it fixed, I'd like to just cut power to it so it stays up all the time. Is there an easy way to do this, preferably a way that would allow me to easily reconnect it so I can put it down when wheeling? A fuse would be the easiest option, but I suspect that a fuse would apply to more than just the power antenna. So I was thinking about rigging some kind of an inline fuse/switch. Take the fuse out/turn the switch off to cut power and leave the antenna up, put the fuse back/turn the swtich on to put power back to the antenna so I can put it down manually.

Where is the easiest place to access the wire(s) that control the antenna? What color is it? I know I've got a wire from my radio to the antenna. I don't think I could use that because the antenna would still try to go down when I turned my rig off... I think it actually has to be the power wire.

 

Jackson,

Haha, I went through this same thought process a few weeks ago after my 98's antenna started to crap out. My wife's 95 Camry antenna crapped out about a month earlier. I took pics and wrote down alot for a write up, but I haven't gotten around to it.

Just do the Taco whip antenna mod. Cost is around $80.

The motor---I can't remember 100% if it has two wires running out of it---one power and the other the antenna connection....thinking, thinking...damn, not sure. In anycase, I do know for sure that the antenna wire runs through the wheel well fender, into the area under the passenger side compartment, over/across/beneath the passenger airbag and into the back of your stereo.

Here are some pics:






Because all this electronic/wiring stuff makes me crazy, I just replaced the motor with a non-functioning unit and a Taco whip antenna. Anytime I want to remove the whip, I'll take a pair of pliers, wrap the antenna w/ a cloth, and then just unscrew. Viola!, as Kelly Bundy would say.

I've never been happier. That whip has taken two low tree branches w/ no problems. Those two times would've bent my motorized mast for sure.

Bob

 

Hey Bob,

I'm interested in this as well...just not a big fan of the motorized antennas. Anyway, have you posted the write-up on your website yet? If not, would you mind letting us know when you get it up there. I think I may try to add the Tacoma antenna in the near future. Thanks a lot-

CTB

 

CTB:

I'll let you know. Since you asked, I'll write this one up first. It's simple, but time intensive.

Bob

 

Thanks Bob - I look forward to reading your write-up. I appreciate your help-

Cody

 

I went to a local foreign auto salvage yard to get a fixed antenna base/mast to get rid of my broken power unit. It turns out, someone beat me to it. The ones that weren't missing looked like they had been chewed on. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get a new one from a Toyota stealer.