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Antenna removal procedure

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Wendel, Jan 30, 2006.

  1. Wendel

    Wendel New Member

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    The manual advises to remove the antenna before washing the auto. Unfortunately it does not say how to remove the antenna. What is the procedure for doing this? Or should the antenna even be removed?
     
    #1 Wendel, Jan 30, 2006
  2. FBear

    FBear Senior Member

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    Gently grip the antenna just above the base, you will see the hairline split. Twist and it should un-screw quite easily.
     
    #2 FBear, Jan 30, 2006
  3. jared2

    jared2 New Member

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    Don't forget to turn counter-clockwise to unscrew.
     
    #3 jared2, Jan 30, 2006
  4. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    I took mine off as soon as I bought my '04 Prius. The winter road salt has a nasty habit of getting into *everything* and parts can seize. Knowing my luck, at some future point I would have to remove the antenna and it would be corroded on.
     
    #4 jayman, Jan 30, 2006
  5. Wendel

    Wendel New Member

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    Thanks for the information!
     
    #5 Wendel, Jan 30, 2006
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It's recommended to remove it while going through an automated car wash that uses brushes. If it's touchless, the antenna should clear the overhead machine.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Jan 30, 2006
  7. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    Early on, I replaced the OEM antenna with a stubby (2") antenna I bought on eBay to avoid having to remove the antenna for car washes. I have not noticed any degradation of FM or AM signal strength in my metro (Dallas) area. I do reinstall the long (OEM) antenna when driving cross-country for better reception on weak stations.

    Search eBay on "car antenna" or similar.
     
    #7 Charles Suitt, Jan 31, 2006
  8. kpauley

    kpauley New Member

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    After unscrewing, is there a way to access / remove the base? I was thinking about pulling my satellite radio wire through there instead of through the hatch, that is if it's simple enough to get the base off.

    Anyone pull the base off before?

    Ken
     
    #8 kpauley, Jan 31, 2006
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