How to Replace a Power Antenna in a 1998 Toyota 4Runner

The 1998 Toyota 4Runner comes with a fixed or a power antenna. The power antenna retracts into the right fender-well when the radio is turned off. If the radio no longer retracts or extends, you will probably need to replace the power antenna motor. To perform this task properly, you will need an assistant to help you turn the radio on and off. This task can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Snap-ring pliers
• Flat screwdriver
• Socket set or wrench
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Use the snap-ring pliers to remove the antenna base retaining nut. Insert the tips of the pliers into the nut, and squeeze. This will put pressure against the inside edge of the nut. Turn the nut counterclockwise to unscrew it from the antenna base.

2. Use a flat screwdriver to pry up the retainer clips from the rear edge of the right, inner fender-well. Once you can pull the fender-well far enough back to access the antenna motor, you can stop. The antenna motor is attached to the rear of the fender-well.

3. Unplug the antenna motor electrical connector. The connector has a single plastic clip on the side you will need to lift. Pull the ends apart.

4. Remove the single antenna motor retaining bolt, and pull the antenna out of the vehicle by pulling it down.

5. Drop a piece of string down through the top of the antenna hole. Attach the string to the antenna lead on the new motor, and pull the string up, guiding the antenna lead into place up into the channel.

6. Bolt the motor to the fender-well, and attach the electrical connector.

7. The ignition and the radio should still be on. Guide the serrated plastic teeth of the new antenna mast down into the antenna lead, with the teeth facing to the front of the vehicle. Insert it as far as possible. There should only be one inch of the plastic lead visible.

8. Direct your assistant to turn off the radio and ignition. The antenna will begin to retract. Guide it into the channel. If it doesn't retract fully, turn on the ignition and radio, and remove the mast. Attempt the procedure again, repeating until it retracts fully. It can sometimes be difficult to insert the plastic gear fully into the motor.

9. Insert the base retaining nut, and use the snap-ring pliers to turn it clockwise to tighten.

10. Replace any of the fender clips you removed by pressing them into their holes, until they snap into place.

Tips & Warnings

• If your motor stops working with the antenna retracted, and your new assembly does not come with a new mast, you can carefully pull out the old mast by grasping it with a pair of needle-nose pliers and slowly pulling it out of the motor. If the teeth are damaged, they cannot be reused.

References

• "Haynes Repair Manual: Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner & T100"; Robert Maddox, Mike Stubblefield and John H. Haynes; 2006