How to Repair the Antenna on a 1997 Toyota 4Runner
- 1). Remove the cap that secures the antenna to the fender-mounted base. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise, using a pair of needle nose pliers. Position the jaws of the pair of pliers into the slots featured on the cap, to avoid damage during the removal process.
- 2). Turn on the vehicle's stereo system. Pull the antenna completely out of its base with the power antenna motor running. You might want to have a helper switch the radio on while you remove the antenna, as the power antenna motor will only run for a few seconds.
- 3). Remove the bolts securing the passenger side front inner-fender using a 10mm socket. To gain access to the power antenna motor, you will only need to remove the seven bolts securing the plastic inner-fender cover, near the bottom side of the passenger side door.
- 4). Peel back the plastic inner-fender to expose the power antenna motor. The power antenna motor features an electrical connector, large antenna lead, and clear plastic protective covering.
- 5). Remove the single mounting bolt securing the power antenna motor to the inner-fender, using an appropriate size socket.
- 6). Unsheathe the protective covering from the power antenna motor and disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the five screws securing the round-shaped housing cover to the unit, using a Phillips head screwdriver. Lift the cover off the unit and remove the broken cord inside the mechanism.
- 7). Replace the round-shaped cover. Rconnect the electrical connector and remount the power antenna motor to the inner-fender well. Secure the plastic inner-fender cover to the vehicle.
- 8). Coat the replacement antenna's cord with a liberal amount of silicone lubricant. Extend the antenna and feed the cord down into the mounting base hole. Screw the cap into the fender-mounted base to secure the antenna.
- 9). Turn off the car stereo and manually lower the antenna while the antenna motor runs. Proceed to lower the antenna manually until the electric motor can grab the cord and lower the antenna automatically.
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