Antenna Replacement - '95 SC300

[RunnerBiker]

I noticed that the antenna on my 1995 SC300 was not extending all the
way like it used to. It is the original mast. It still goes up and
down when it should, it just doesn't go all the way up anymore.
I assumed that a new antenna mast would let it extend fully again.
I bought an official LEXUS replacement mast. (I always use official
manufacturer parts on my Lexus and Toyota cars)
I removed the cap nut on the mast, and then removed the plastic spacer
at the fender.
With the key in the ignition and in the LOCK position, I pressed and
held the [AM] and [CD] buttons on the stereo. (This "magic" is
supposed to eject the antenna.)
I turned the key to Accessory.
The stereo display showed "AnT".
The antenna went up, but the antenna mast did not eject. It didn't go
any higher than it did when I turned the radio on in normal
conditions. It didn't sound like it was straining to push the antenna
out.
Have I missed something, or do I have to disassemble the automatic
antenna mechanism?

Thanks for your help.

Ken - West Union, SC Population 270 + 2 (counting dogs and chickens)
"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
- Abraham H. Maslow

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by RunnerBiker

I noticed that the antenna on my 1995 SC300 was not extending all the
way like it used to. It is the original mast. It still goes up and
down when it should, it just doesn't go all the way up anymore.
I assumed that a new antenna mast would let it extend fully again.
I bought an official LEXUS replacement mast. (I always use official
manufacturer parts on my Lexus and Toyota cars)
I removed the cap nut on the mast, and then removed the plastic spacer
at the fender.
With the key in the ignition and in the LOCK position, I pressed and
held the [AM] and [CD] buttons on the stereo. (This "magic" is
supposed to eject the antenna.)
I turned the key to Accessory.
The stereo display showed "AnT".
The antenna went up, but the antenna mast did not eject. It didn't go
any higher than it did when I turned the radio on in normal
conditions. It didn't sound like it was straining to push the antenna
out.
Have I missed something, or do I have to disassemble the automatic
antenna mechanism?

Thanks for your help.

Ken - West Union, SC Population 270 + 2 (counting dogs and chickens)
"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
- Abraham H. Maslow

Here are the LEXUS instructions for removal

When the antenna comes up, you have to give it a small tug to release it from the drive gear. It doesnt just "ejct on its own".

You might have to dis-assemble the motor to remove any broken piece of cable. If you dont remove this piece it will jam the motor upon re installation of the new mast. The cables usually break and that is why they dont go up as far as normal.
The cable once removed should come to a taper on the end of it. If there is no taper then the cable has broken. Abent antenna mast will also make it no come up as far.

[RunnerBiker]

Thanks for the reply Mustang.

I didn't say it in the original posting, but I pulled as hard as I could to get the antenna to release.

I can't remember where I read it, but I thought I read that the radio was supposed to eject the antenna by itself. That is why you press the "magic" [AM] and [CD] buttons.

Since the antenna still goes up and down and radio reception is still good, I'll just wait until it won't go up at all and then I'll disassemble the motor to get the broken pieces out.

I have done it before on other Toyota power antennas.

I just wanted to make sure I hadn't skipped any steps. Your photos showed that I was doing it correctly.

I guess there is a disassembly in my future.

Thanks again.