More Antenna Woes
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11
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From: al
More Antenna Woes
Okay, after months of having to wiggle my antenna to make it retract, I finally broke down and ordered a new antenna mast. I went to install it and following the provided instructions, I compared the two antennas before installing the new one. The new one's toothed cable is about twice as long as the old one. Instructions say DO NOT trim the cable, that if it is longer then there is a piece broken off in the power antenna assembly. It explains how to take the assembly apart and get the cable out, BUT it does not explain how to get to the darned thing. I dont see any obvious way to remove the inside panels in the trunk. Does anyone know or have a diagram on how to remove these to allow access? Many thanks.
Barry
Barry
lol i had to do that twice on mine! first you need to take out the padding on the right side of the trunk then get a 10mm deep socket to take the bolt out then you'll be able to move the whole unit. Then you have to take the whole thing apart remove the old one completely then install it back the way it was mounted. After that you need two people for this someone needs to set the stereo to "ANT" after that make sure the tooth is facing west and insert it in the hole all the way down someone needs to turn off the key in the ignition while you are standing there holding the antenna in place and it will suck the whole thing back in. After it goes in make sure not to tighten it too much because it won't move. Good luck i hope that helps! 
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 276
From: CA - San Diego
Well now you're in for a couple hours of work. I'm attaching two PDFs one is all of the audio components. Page 5 of 5 of that document deals with the trunk and antenna. The second PDF explains how to get your trunk apart. You WILL need a T40 TORK socket to remove the right hand side receiver for the tonneau cover. Other than that, the clips are a pain in the *** to remove without breaking them. Be patient and apply force slowly and you can work them out.
I don't believe it's necessary to remove any of the trunk link opening supports but the right hand garnish is difficult to remove. Just take it slow and easy.
I don't believe it's necessary to remove any of the trunk link opening supports but the right hand garnish is difficult to remove. Just take it slow and easy.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 276
From: CA - San Diego
Here is one more PDF I found that covers just the antenna removal... this one tells you which pieces to remove to get to it. If you review all three files you should be able to work out a plan of attack.
Great help and advice gents! This is one I am saving for sure like I did the serpentine belt! I've done a couple of these on older Japanese cars (rx-7 and accord) and I can tell you that this may be one of those $150-$250 decisions that could save you half a day of your life! My feeling is that looking at what goes into doing this, I'd probably chicken out and have it done at a Toyo dealer or shop around at Lexus dealers with coupons for the best price. 
Sorry this is such a pain. Keep us posted.
Sorry this is such a pain. Keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: al
Thanks everyone. I have to work from 6-2 today, but it is supposed to be a beautiful day today, so I will tackle it when I get home. I knew you guys would come through for me. Thank God for you guys and the internet. What would we ever do now days without the internet? LOL
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 7
From: VA
Great help and advice gents! This is one I am saving for sure like I did the serpentine belt! I've done a couple of these on older Japanese cars (rx-7 and accord) and I can tell you that this may be one of those $150-$250 decisions that could save you half a day of your life! My feeling is that looking at what goes into doing this, I'd probably chicken out and have it done at a Toyo dealer or shop around at Lexus dealers with coupons for the best price. Sorry this is such a pain. Keep us posted.
Sorry this is such a pain. Keep us posted.
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Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 276
From: CA - San Diego
well sort of... getting the trunk garnish apart to get access to the existing antenna system will have its difficulties. Finding an antenna to fit the existing chrome pieces on the outside of the Q-panel too, but yes, ultimately it's doable and others have already succeeded at it. I suppose it's all about what you think is "easy"?
Our OEM antenna isnt screwed on, so the stubby will have nothing to screw into. Where did you read that it was easy? It's actually quite the opposite lol
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