I am looking to install an antenna on my 2004 GX, and need to run the cable under the headliner from the center of the vehicle (well behind the sunroof) to the back corner. I've been unable to get a fish or a coat hanger to pass the edge of the headliner where it angles with the roof line, and I'm very reluctant to try to disconnect fasteners and pull any of it down. Does anyone have any experience with getting between the headliner and the roof, or with permanent antenna installation on this model?

Thanks,

Matthew

 

Your fish wire is probably getting hung up on the side curtain airbags.
Have you tried going in by the cargo door?

BTW, be very careful not to wrinkle/bend the headliner. It's a $900-1300 part (depending on 3rd row seat, rear entertainment options, etc).

Chip H.

 

Hi Chip,

I'm trying to gain access from the rear, at the rear-most pillar and/or through the rear door. I've removed a small section of weather stripping, as well as popped loose the plastic panel on the rear right side posterior to the rear window. No luck in either place. It seems as though the headliner is glued to the roof at the area where it curves upward with the profile of the roof, and as you mentioned, I really don't want to perforate the headliner by pushing my fish too hard. Anyone else attempt this, or replace a headliner and have a suggestion?

Thank you,

Matthew

 

Are you putting in an XM kit or something? If so, there is a nice set of installation instructions available that show step by step the factory-preferred antenna routing which runs low down in the door wells and in the interior cargo panels up to the rear door and eventually to the rear roof.