Oldsports

I am installing an aftermarket radio in my 2001 LS430. I know that the antenna is connected to the tuner in the back of the car (I have the RCA adapter). Can someone tell me the best way to route the cable from the trunk to the front console and how long of an extension cable would be needed? I have searched the forum but I could not find anything on this - apologies if I am asking a question that has already been asked.

Thanks!

whooodat

iTrader: (4)

Option 1)
I think that your going to have to take out the rear deck lid and rear seat. Lexus did not make it easy to run wires throughout the car from the rear. Unless I missed the channel/opening where they run the antenna cable, but I remember looking at the rear seat pillar and seeing no easy access to run my power wire, had to run it up the side of the seat and through the subwoofer hole. I know this because I gutted my car to run new speaker and power wire in my 2005.

I know that there are several posts of removing the rear seat and deck lid.

Option 2) I brought a aftermarket antenna from Best Buy for my aftermarket radio and it was much easier. Plug it into the back of the radio and run it under the black drivers kick panel and up the left front pillar and under the roof padding and stuck it on the windshield. I think it was $25 or so, plus I really don't like the OEM antenna they seem to have bad reception for my liking.

Hope this helps!

Oldsports

I am not totally opposed to installing a second antenna, but shouldn't there be a path between the back of the head unit and the tuner? They communicate with each other so there should be a set of wires that go between them. I was hoping to follow that same path for the antenna. If it is too difficult, I can go the second antenna route.