electrical

Power Antenna Motor

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
13
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Remove and replace the power antenna motor assembly located in the right rear quarter panel area of the vehicle.

Warnings

Disconnect battery before beginning work to prevent electrical short circuits and antenna motor activation
ℹ️The 2018-2024 Camry may have either a power antenna or a fixed antenna depending on trim level. Verify your vehicle is equipped with a power antenna before ordering parts

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flathead screwdriverEssential
Trim panel removal toolsEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Wire brush or sandpaper
Electrical contact cleaner

Parts

  • Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
  3. Open trunk and ensure adequate lighting for interior trim panel work
  4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before proceeding

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery negative terminal
    Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative terminal cable and secure it away from the battery post to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Access right rear trunk trim panel
    Open the trunk fully. Locate the right rear interior trim panel behind the wheel well area. This panel provides access to the antenna motor assembly mounted in the quarter panel.
  3. 3
    Remove trunk trim panel
    Using trim panel removal tools, carefully release the plastic clips securing the right rear trunk trim panel. Start from the bottom edge and work upward. Remove any plastic fasteners using a flathead screwdriver. Set the panel aside with clips organized for reinstallation.
  4. 4
    Locate antenna motor assembly
    With the trim panel removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted vertically in the quarter panel area. The motor will have an electrical connector and a cable/mast assembly extending upward toward the roof.
  5. 5
    Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect from the antenna motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
  6. 6
    Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the quarter panel bracket. There are typically 2-3 mounting bolts. Support the motor assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
    The antenna mast may be partially extended. Support the motor assembly to prevent damage to the mast or cable
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove old antenna motor assembly
    Carefully lower the antenna motor assembly and guide the antenna mast through the mounting hole if extended. Remove the complete assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bracket and grounding points for corrosion.
  8. 8
    Prepare new antenna motor
    Unpack the new antenna motor assembly. Verify the mast is fully retracted before installation. If there is a ground wire or ground connection point, clean the contact surface with a wire brush or sandpaper to ensure good electrical contact.
  9. 9
    Install new antenna motor assembly
    Position the new antenna motor assembly into the quarter panel mounting location. Align the mounting holes with the bracket. Ensure any ground wire or strap is properly positioned for connection. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening.
  10. 10
    Torque antenna motor mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the antenna motor mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping. Verify the motor is securely mounted and does not move when pressure is applied.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Connect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the antenna motor assembly. Push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
  12. 12
    Reinstall trunk trim panel
    Position the right rear trunk trim panel back into place. Align all mounting holes and clips. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Reinstall any plastic fasteners that were removed.
  13. 13
    Reconnect battery
    Reinstall the negative battery terminal to the battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the connection is clean and secure.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Torque all fasteners to specification as noted in the procedure
  2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  3. Verify trim panel clips are fully engaged and panel is flush with surrounding surfaces

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ACC or ON position and turn radio on
  • Verify the antenna extends fully when radio is activated
  • Turn radio off and verify antenna retracts completely
  • Check for unusual noise during extension or retraction cycles
  • Verify radio reception quality is acceptable on AM and FM bands
  • Inspect trunk trim panel for proper fit and secure mounting
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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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