Did a search, but couldn't find an exact hit for my question...

My stock antenna on my 2000 RX300 is not extending fully.
I cleaned it and tried pulling it out further, but it seems stuck at about 75% of full extention.

Might it have slipped off the motor/wheel?
Is there a way to fix this, or do I need to replace something?
Most importantly, am I losing any AM or FM reception where it's at?

Thanks,
Eph

 

ep,

You might loose some signal in weak areas, at a distance form the transmitters - like out in the country. Even at 50% you should have no problem in the city areas.

There can be several reasons for partial extension - broken components in the motor drive (can be expensive). The antenna (element) that extends in a number of sections can be binding from a tiny piece of sand that got in, or in areas like mine, salt build up over the winter. Also the element can be slightly bent or out of round.

The antenna is replaceable. I've changed them on several vehicles, You can view the procedure from the maunal at RX 300 How2..

Ed

 

I posted instructions on how to replace the antenna.

The antenna reception theory is little more complex. (Wave length of the transimission and the physical length of the rod ... blah blah)

Back to the orignal post ..

Caution: The following may make the problem worse ..

Wet a corner of a rag with WD40 and smear the rod. Extend and lower the antenna and wipe it clean and add more wd-40. This will allow the penetrating oil to dislodge the debris and should clean out the rod.

FInally wipe the rod dry and apply light coat of lithium grease. Wipe it off as the extra grease attracts more grime. A thin coat of wax works well too.

So what can go wrong ... if there is any kink in the rod and it comes out past the restriction, well its not going to go back in.

What would I do: If the radio reception is ok, leave the darn thing alone. Unless it is still under warranty.

Salim

 

salimshah, my antenna is so noisy, less than a year old I think it could fail any day. sounds like it's hand cranked up or something.

I'll try cleaning it regularly and waxing, and hoping it lasts. It was smoothly quiet only for a few weeks then went rattly noisy - but it does extend and reception is ok.

'99 acted the same