Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 gas engine, including removal of interior trim panels and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Interior trim clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any broken clips during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
4. Remove cargo area contents and floor mat for access to right rear quarter panel
5. Retract antenna to lowest position if functional before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove right rear cargo trim panel lower section
   Using panel removal tools, carefully pry out the lower right rear cargo trim panel. Start at the bottom edge and work upward, releasing the plastic push clips. There are approximately 6-8 clips securing this panel. Pull the panel away from the body once all clips are released.
2. 2

   Remove upper cargo side trim panel
   Locate and remove the Phillips screws securing the upper cargo side trim panel (typically 2-3 screws). Use panel removal tool to release the remaining clips along the panel perimeter. Carefully pull the panel rearward and away from the vehicle body to access the antenna motor area.
3. 3

   Locate and access power antenna motor
   With trim panels removed, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the inner quarter panel. The motor is a cylindrical unit with the antenna mast extending upward through the roof and electrical connector attached. Use flashlight to identify mounting bolts and electrical connector.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna motor electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight off the antenna motor. Do not pull on wires. If connector is difficult to access, you may need to remove additional sound deadening material or insulation for better access.
5. 5

   Disconnect antenna mast cable
   At the top of the motor assembly, locate where the antenna mast cable enters the motor housing. Disconnect the antenna mast from the motor by releasing the retaining clip or rotating the collar counterclockwise (depending on design). Support the antenna mast to prevent it from falling into the fender area.
   ⚠Support the antenna mast during disconnection to prevent it from retracting into the roof/fender cavity where retrieval would be difficult.
6. 6

   Remove antenna motor mounting bolts
   Using 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the antenna motor to the inner quarter panel bracket (typically 2-3 bolts). Support the motor assembly while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove antenna motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the antenna motor assembly out through the trim panel opening. The motor may need to be rotated or angled to clear surrounding structure. Keep track of any spacers, washers, or grommets that were used in the original installation.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new antenna motor
   Compare new antenna motor to old unit to verify correct replacement part. Transfer any necessary brackets, grommets, or spacers from old motor to new unit. Position new motor into mounting location, ensuring proper alignment with mounting holes and antenna mast passage.
9. 9

   Install antenna motor mounting bolts
   Thread mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading, then torque to specification using torque wrench. Ensure motor is properly seated against mounting surface before final torquing.
10. 10

    Reconnect antenna mast cable
    Connect the antenna mast cable to the motor assembly. If using a threaded collar design, rotate clockwise until snug. If using clip design, push firmly until retaining clip clicks into place. Verify connection is secure by gently pulling on mast.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align and push electrical connector onto antenna motor until locking tab clicks into place. Verify secure connection by gently tugging on connector housing (not wires).
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim panels
    Position upper cargo side trim panel and align with mounting points. Install Phillips screws and torque to specification. Press panel firmly to engage push clips. Install lower cargo trim panel by aligning clips with body holes and pressing firmly until all clips snap into place. Replace any broken clips with new ones.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panels are fully seated and all clips are engaged before testing
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in cargo area or behind trim panels
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test antenna operation using radio power on/off cycle
• Verify antenna extends fully when radio is turned on
• Verify antenna retracts fully when radio is turned off
• Listen for smooth motor operation without grinding or binding noises
• Confirm radio reception quality is acceptable on AM and FM bands
• Inspect all trim panels for proper fit and secure mounting with no rattles

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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