Power antenna problem w/ 96 ES300

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=40088
Printed Date: July 12, 2025 at 10:41 AM

Topic: Power antenna problem w/ 96 ES300

Posted By: Br5tt
Subject: Power antenna problem w/ 96 ES300
Date Posted: October 01, 2004 at 8:02 AM

I am replacing the power antenna on a 96 Lexus ES300. The new antenna has 3 wires (Red, White, Black). Instructions say to splice the constant 12 V line to the Red wire, splice the 12 V radio control line to the White wire, and secure the Black wire to ground. What I'm finding is when the power antenna is connected, the 12 V radio control line drops to about 5-6 Volts, thus not powering the antenna enough to retract. When I disconnect the power antenna, the radio control line is back to 12 V. Any ideas? For some reason the power antenna is loading down the control line. I appreciate any help.

Replies:

Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: October 01, 2004 at 11:39 AM

try metering the wiring with the trunk open and closed.... some of the cars i've replaced power antennas on dump voltage when you open the trunk, bringing down the antenna, to avoid a deck lid spoiler etc from clipping the antenna... just a thought....

also if the relay for the OEM P antenna is in the trunk determine the proper side to be grabbing voltage... before or after it.....

-------------
Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979

Posted By: Br5tt
Date Posted: October 01, 2004 at 5:20 PM

Thanks Kevin. I'll give it a try.