jpwonderdog

Hello FD, This is a late reply and hopefully you have sorted this out. If the procedure to install the antenna is being followed correctly, it sounds like an obstruction. Don't know if you found this great tech service bulletin, but I will post a link here if not for your benefit, for anyone else who might need it. This really helped me get the job done with minimal angst. The instructions are for the 2002 SC. I actually have an '04, but the instructions worked fine, and it is my understanding that this holds true for several model years, though I can't vouch for sure on the '05. http://www.galvincom.com/views/41152-299153d1380247224-new-antenna-making-a-grinding-noise-sc-antenna-replacement/ Cheers.

Hi all, new member. Great forum. About me, I have a 2004 SC 430, purchased new, now has about 22k miles. Yeah...I bought it as a "fun" car for my wife, she never drove it much, so now I do. It is a phenomenal vehicle. Anyway, after a bonehead carwash episode I needed to replace the antenna mast. I bought the replacement on eBay from AntennaMastsRus for about $18 including shipping. It came with instructions, which I read several times before I attempted the replacement. In my case, the antenna cable appeared to be intact and not broken off in the motor housing. The antenna still extended, but would not retract fully due to damage. Following the replacement antenna instructions, I found that I could not get the old mast out after removing the retaining nut, because the motor would stop running before the toothed nylon antenna cable was fully disgorged. I didnt want to try to pull it out and risk breaking off the end of the cable inside the motor housing, turning a simple project into a more time-consuming one . I read all the posts here on the topic, but did not see anything about my issue. So, I searched the net. Here's the thing: with this model, there is a process you have to do to "trick" the antenna into overextending so it spits out the full length of the antenna cable. I found a Lexus Technical Service Information Bulletin for the '02 SC 430 that was also applicable to my 2004 model: GO HERE: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/snd27613..._sc_antenna.pdf :D What you have to do is, with the key in the ignition switch "LOCK" position, press the "AM"”and "DISC"”buttons on the radio simultaneously with turning the ignition switch to "ACC."” Then the radio"LCD"display will read "ANT"”and the antenna mast will hyper-extend, disengaging the cable. With the ignition switch still in "ACC,"” the new cable is inserted to a full stop into the motor antenna assembly through the mast pipe hole in the body panel, with the teeth on the antenna cable toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, as the person in the driver's seat switches the key to "LOCK," feed the cable and mast pipe in. After it retracts completely, replace the retaining nut. Works like a charm.