VolumeToo

Hi Folks,
Well, I'm now on my third LS400 since 2004, the first two being Gen 1 (1990 and 1994). I got to know those cars pretty well inside and out, and would still be glad to offer help and advice re. the electronics, particularly.
I never realized how different the Gen 2 actually was, but it seems they redesigned pretty much everything! And to me, some aspects are definitely better, others maybe not so.
But anyway (and sorry if this has been covered before), I am wondering if it's possible to reprogram the audio system to not raise the power antenna unless the radio is selected as a source? (This is one of the differences that I don't like!) Right now I have the center console out of the car, in order replace backlighting bulbs in the climate panel, so if there's a component-level mod that's known about, I guess this would be the time to do it!
Looking forward to getting to know some new people on this forum
Cheers,
Rich

fixmiester

The antenna on the 98-00 is really hard to lower, since it's built into the rear windshield !

VolumeToo

Wish it was Most definitely a '98 (a.k.a. Mk4), but yes, I do know that they changed to the rear window type not long after that.

Kansas

Most Americans don't know that North America was the only region that didn't have a fender mounted power antenna on the 98-00 LS400.

I may be getting my previous cars mixed up but if you turn the radio off and then select a non-radio source by pressing its button to power up the head unit, does the antenna stay retracted? I thought it worked that way in my 1990 LS400 but I may be thinking of a different car I used to have.

VolumeToo

1990 absolutely, but '98 sadly not. It's no biggie, but it seems a bit stupid to risk having something break unnecessarily when it's not even in use, if you see what I mean. The Gen 1 audio system was a masterpiece in logic, ergonomics and attention to detail IMO.

Mind you, I'm still on a learning-curve with this car!