After replacing the antenna mast on my '93 ES300 (the original was broken) I
drove around for about 3 months with a perfectly functioning antenna.
However, over the past couple of weeks, it's started acting up again. I
pulled the replacement antenna and purchased a second replacement only to
have it do the same thing. What's strange is that, both antennas (the
replacement and the second replacement, are in good shape, and there's
nothing wrong with the teeth). The antenna goes down fine, and goes all the
way up, but after it reaches the top, it starts making that terrible
grinding noise like the cable is broken, but of course it isn't. I thought
maybe it was something with the gears in the motor, but I checked them and
they're fine. I've taken the whole thing apart a couple of times now, and
it works fine for a while and then acts up again. Tonight, I tore it all
apart, put it back together again only to have it work fine once and then
start doing it again. I can't figure out what the problem is. Could it be
the relay circuitry on the motor unit? I pulled out the board a little, and
it looks fine.

This one's got me stumped.....

"Ben Jackinophalot" <bjo (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

reason. It sounds like the timer is not working properly or the teeth are
not engaging properly.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

The timer still shuts it off after the interval (5 seconds or whatever). Is
there some sensor that detects when the antenna is all the way or up or
down, or does it just continue turning until the timer shuts it off? Could
it be related to the cheapie OEM antenna I'm using (~$20 on eBay?) Or maybe
too much/too little grease inside the unit? I've checked all the teeth on
the gears, and they're fine. Right now, I've disconnected the relay
connector and so the antenna is always in the up position.

"Ray O" <rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOTcomn> wrote

"Ben Jackinophalot" <bjo (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

When you say "cheapie OEM antenna" I am assuming that the antenna is an
aftermarket one that fits your Lexus and not actually an OEM. "OEM" means
original equipment manufacturer and is the exact replacement for the one
that came from the factory. Aftermarket means that someone other than the
original equipment manufacturer is supplying the product.

I do not have any experience with aftermarket masts so I can't really say if
that is the cause or not. If the cable on the aftermarket replacement
antenna is a little short, perhaps the teeth at the end of the cable are
slipping.

The drum and cable assembly should be well coated but not packed with
grease. I doubt if too kuch grease is the problem, and as long as there is
a healty film of grease on the drum, then there is probably enough.

Worst case, go to to a Lexus dealer and purchase the replacement mast. It
might be worth the expense. You might also go to a Toyota dealer and see if
they carry the same part number for less money.

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)