Power Antenna Troubleshooting

[Coldfinger]

Trying to replace antenna mast on 2001 Toyota Sequoia. The plastic drive strip broke. I removed the broken remnant from the motor housing too, and checked the drive gears to make sure they were not stripped. The new plastic and the old plastic measure the same length so I know I got all the old out.

When I turn the radio on/off, the motor will not run more than a second or two. Not enough to pull the new plastic strip in. In testing the motor with no strip, about 10% of the time the motor will run longer than a few seconds when turned off.

Also, I measured the length needed to insert plastic strip to where it engages the teeth, and I have the teeth facing the correct direction to engage the gear (toward the motor).

One time I was able to get the strip pulled in about 6"(after numerous on/off cycles), but then it wouldn't go any further.

Is there a trick to get the motor to run longer or do I have a bad motor?

 

[Ex-Member]

Could be a limit switch somewhere, possibly a current monitor on the power to tell the receiver the antenna's up. If that switch or monitor is bad, you might see similar symptoms.

 

[go high fast]

My power antenna on my RX 300 has been busted for years in the up position. Motor still runs for the short burst each time I turn on and off the radio. I dont think the power antennas are a good choice for the harsh winters of the Northwest. I'm leaning toward replacing mine with a standard fixed antenna. I'm hoping there is a toyota crossover that is fully compatible.

 

[Coldfinger]

I couldn't find any fixed mast options. Let me know if you do. I can raise or lower mine manually because I clipped off the remaining cog strip, so maybe this is an option for you to do as well.

I suppose there is some type of load sensor to stop the motor. Not sure where it would be or how to replace. As far as I know I can't get individual parts for the motor/drive assy, plus, the wires run back into the firewall and access doesn't look very inviting.

I'm going to locate and pull the fuse to the radio and antenna to see if that will reset something.