98 Prado electric Antena Problems

The noise you can hear is most likely the clutch slipping, try helping it up & then check that the mast sections are not bent, usually if they are not kinked you can gently straighten them, then spray a little lubricant, WD40, Inox or similar, on to a cloth & wipe it over the mast.

Jason,

If it's already up, you could cut the electrical supply wire.

But seriously mate, you don't have many choices if you want good reception from your radio.

Either replace the electric aerial with another of the same type, or swap it over to a manual aerial. Of course installing a manual aerial introduces another scenario, where if it's let up, it may be damaged by overhanging trees or vandals.

At least with the electric type, it disappears out of harms way and can be adjusted to suit different height requirements.

Probably similar issue that happens with 80 series aerials with having a broken mast. You can buy part (new mast) separately and re-insert back into antenna base. Think it is a little tricky, but guard does not have to come off. Was decribed very well in a post about 6 months ago, so do a search

The plastic geared rod has broken and an is a vailable from Toyota as a replacement mast kit ($69.00 if I remember) and is quite tricky to fit. I have done about 6 of them for customers and my advice is to pay Toyota their $20.00 labour and let them do it. It requires removing the motor, pulling the broken bits out, refitting the motor and with 2 people feed the new one in by switching the radio on and then off. Watch you don't pinch your fingers.

Regards Derek.

I wish I could get my work ute (Ford Courier diesel) to operate from the car radio!
It might have a bit more get up & go

Replace the entire unit with an aftermarket one, either manual or electric.
The Courier has a 1.5m (5ft) flexible fibreglass aerial and it works 100%, bends under garage & supermarket roofs too.

Thankyou to all for your responses.

Looks like my Toyota dealer has got another Job.

Regards
Jason