Antenna My automatic radio antenna will not retract when I either switch to CD player or turn my car off. It makes a whirling noise like it's trying to retract, but it just won't move.

The antenna cable/regulator is usually made out of plastic with tiny slots that engage the antenna motor gear. When worn, they make grinding noises and usually don't retract or extend all the way. There is no quick fix for this; replace the antenna assembly.

i just replaced the cd player in my 2001 eclips spyder and the power antenna now wont go up or down but it works with the old cd player what can i do to fix the problem please?

I think it's a problem with the radio itself. The antenna only responds when the radio is turned on / off. So the antenna sounds like it's working properly.

if it has a built into the window antenna, install a real one on the fender. if it has an antenna which retracts and extends automatically, replace it with a real one. if it has a good antenna, make sure it is actually plugged into the back of the radio.

Toyota Pick-ups/Land Cruiser/4Runner 1989-1996
Antenna - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

If your antenna mast is the type where you can unscrew the mast from the fender, simply do so with a pair of pliers. Most damaged antennas are simply the result of a truck wash or similar mishap, in which the mast is bent.

Manual Antenna

1. Disconnect the antenna cable at the radio by pulling it straight out of the set. Depending on access, this may require loosening the radio and pulling it out of the dash.
2. Working under the instrument panel, disengage the cable from its retainers.
   

On some models, it may be necessary to remove the instrument panel pad to get at the cable.

1. Outside, unsnap the cap from the antenna base.
2. Remove the screw(s) and lift off the antenna, pulling the cable with it, carefully.

To install:

1. When reinstalling, make certain the antenna mount area is clean and free of rust and dirt. The antenna must make a proper ground contact through its base to work properly.
2. Install the screws and route the cable into the cab. Make certain the cable is retained in the clips, etc.
3. Connect the cable to the radio; reinstall the radio if it was removed.

Power Antenna Mast
The power antenna system contains a relay. If the power antenna is inoperative, the relay is the first place to look. The actual motor rarely fails.
The power antenna mast is replaceable on the Pick-Up and 4Runners. If the mast is damaged or broken, proceed as follows:

1. Perform this repair with the battery cables connected. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Remove the antenna nut.
3. If equipped with a CD player, press the AM and FM buttons on the receiver and simultaneously turn the ignition switch to ACC .
4. For non-CD player units, press the AM button and simultaneously turn the ignition switch to ACC .
5. The antenna motor will run, unwinding the mast from the spool. have an assistant guide the mast so it doesn't fall and damage the bodywork. When fully extended, the mast will be released. Remove it, and leave the ignition in the ACC position.
   

To install:

1. Insert the new cable so that the teeth face the rear of the vehicle. Feed the cable into the motor until the cable reaches the bottom, about 12 in. (30cm).
2. Have an assistant ready and prepared to guide the cable. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK . The motor will run, winding the cable onto the spool and drawing the antenna down into the mount.
3. If the cable does not wind, twist the cable at the top of the housing; the part at the bottom may have turned while being pushed down the hole.
4. Once wound onto the spool, install the antenna nut even if the antenna is not fully retracted. Test the antenna elevation and retraction; the mast will eventually retract fully.

Hope helped with this (remember rated this post).

The antenna is wired to go down when the key is turned off. The motor is probably stripped out. You need to replace the motor at the base of the antenna, or unplug the bad one to make it quit running with the key off

Does your car have an automatic raising and lowering antenna? If it does check your fuses for it. If not pull your radio out of the dash, and check to make sure that the antenna wire has not become lose or unplugged from the back.

I have this problem quite often and I extend the antenna and spray it with wd40.. Turn the radio on and off a few times and wipe the excess wd40

Most power antennas have a plastic cable with teeth that feed into the power antenna motor.  I recommend replacing the antenna.  A special tool is required to remove the slotted nut where the antenna comes out of the car.  You could use something else, but be careful not to scratch your paint.  I also recommend taking apart the motor to remove any remaining broken pieces of cable.  Usually only one nut holds the cover of the antenna motor in the center. After removal of the old antenna follow these instructions: 1.  Feed the new antenna cable down into the antenna motor; teeth facing the front of the car. 2.  Have someone turn key enough to operate the radio.  You should feel the teeth raking against the teeth in the motor.  If you do not, face the teeth toward the back of the car. 3.  Have your assistant turn the radio off, and allow the antenna motor to pull in the cable.  The motor will automatically stop when it feels resistance.   4.  Return the slotted nut, so you do not have to repeat steps 2 and 3.

Use an antenna wrench to remove the chrome nut (I found a wrench on JC Whitney's website). Once the nut's removed, do the following (copied from the factory service manual):

REMOVE ANTENNA ROD

(a) Turn the ignition switch to ”LOCK” position.
(b) Press the ”AM, FM” buttons on the radio receiver, and simultaneously
turn the ignition switch to ”ACC” position.
HINT:
�� The rod will extend fully and be released form the motor
antenna.
�� After removing the antenna rod, leave the ignition switch
on ”ACC” position.
NOTICE:
To prevent body damage when the antenna rod is released,
hold the rod while it comes out.
2. Auto Antenna Models:
INSTALL ANTENNA ROD
(a) Insert the cable of the rod until it reaches the bottom.
HINT:
�� When inserting the cable, the teeth on the cable must face
toward the rear of the vehicle.
�� Insert the antenna approx. 300 mm (11.8 in.).
(b) Wind the cable to retract the rod by turning the ignition
switch to ”LOCK” position.
HINT:
�� If the ignition switch is already in ”LOCK” position, do step
1 (c) first, then turn the ignition switch to ”ACC” position.
�� In case the cable is not wound, twist it, as shown in the
illustration.
�� Even if the rod has not retracted fully, install the antenna
nut and inspect the antenna rod operation. It will finally retract
fully.
(c) Inspect the antenna rod operation by pressing the radio
wave band select buttons.

You can buy a new power mast online (ex. Discount Toyota Parts) for about $30.