electrical

Power Antenna Motor

for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
11
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.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla models equipped with a power antenna system.

Warnings

Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 90 seconds before beginning work to prevent airbag deployment and electrical shorts
ℹ️The power antenna motor is located in the right rear quarter panel area, accessed from inside the trunk

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Trim panel removal tools
Torque wrenchEssential
Multimeter
Flashlight

Parts

  • Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Antenna motor grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from terminal
  4. Wait 90 seconds for airbag system capacitors to discharge
  5. Open trunk and remove right side trunk trim panel or access cover

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access antenna motor compartment
    Remove the right rear trunk interior trim panel to access the antenna motor. On most models, this involves removing plastic push clips and pulling the trim panel away. Some models have a dedicated access panel secured with clips. Locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the body panel.
  2. 2
    Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
    Locate the electrical connector attached to the power antenna motor. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
  3. 3
    Disconnect antenna mast cable
    The antenna mast cable connects to the top of the motor assembly. Carefully disconnect the antenna cable by releasing any retaining clips or tabs. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation.
  4. 4
    Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
    Remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor assembly to the body panel. There are typically 3 bolts holding the motor bracket. Use a 10mm socket to remove these bolts. Support the motor assembly as you remove the final bolt.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Remove power antenna motor assembly
    Carefully pull the antenna motor assembly out through the access opening. The antenna mast will still be attached to the motor. Guide the assembly out carefully to avoid damaging the mast or surrounding trim. Inspect the rubber grommet where the antenna passes through the body for damage.
  6. 6
    Install new power antenna motor
    Position the new antenna motor assembly in the mounting location. Ensure the rubber grommet is properly seated in the body panel opening. Align the mounting holes with the body panel. If the grommet was damaged, replace it before installing the motor.
  7. 7
    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Install the antenna motor mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Then torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the mounting bracket.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reconnect antenna mast cable
    Route the antenna cable as noted during removal and connect it to the motor assembly. Ensure the cable is properly seated and any retaining clips are engaged. The cable should not be kinked or stretched.
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector onto the antenna motor until it clicks into place. Tug gently to verify it is fully seated and locked.
  10. 10
    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position and verify the antenna extends. Turn the ignition off and verify the antenna retracts fully. Listen for any unusual grinding or binding noises during operation.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reinstall trunk trim
    Once antenna operation is confirmed, reinstall the right rear trunk trim panel or access cover. Ensure all clips are properly seated and the panel is secure.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
  2. Ensure antenna cable is routed properly without kinks or interference
  3. Confirm electrical connector is fully seated and locked
  4. Check that trunk trim panels are securely fastened with all clips engaged

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ACC position and verify antenna extends smoothly and fully
  • Turn ignition off and verify antenna retracts completely into the fender
  • Test radio reception to ensure proper antenna function
  • Inspect for any antenna mast wobble or play indicating loose mounting
  • Check that no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
🔧Stuck on this power antenna motor? Take it to The Diag Desk.A human with 20+ years in the bay answers about YOUR Toyota within 24 hours — never AI. $25, and you're not charged unless you get an answer.Ask a tech →

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.
Stuck on this repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 2017 Toyota Corolla repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Toyota Corolla — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →