budmaca1

I've seen some posts on how to replace the mast if it no longer goes up or down, and you hear the motor for a few seconds. This is what I just started experiencing. I purchased a replacement antenna online for less than $20. I have a 96 ES 300. I removed the old antenna mast and the nut that secures it, but I cannot remove the nut from the old antenna mast. The nut includes about a 2" sleeve that fits over the bottom, thickest part of the mast, but cannot slide past the grounding end cap, and if I slide up to the top, won't fit over the rounded head of the mast. I also couldn't figure out how to remove the grounding end cap so the nut could slide out. How can I remove the nut from the old mast, and then slide it over the new mast which has the same dimensions?

Never mind, I figured it out. It's called "pull harder".

I need to replace the left rear brake light in the housing at my rear windshield, which is out and is giving me a warning light on the dashboard. I cannot figure out how to open the plastic housing to access the bulb in order to replace it. I tried pulling on it, putting the blade of a flat screwdriver underneath, etc, but cannot get the housing open. How do you get at the bulbs? I have a 1996 ES 300.

1996 ES300, 131,000 miles. For the past six months or so, my CEL comes on about once per month, stays on for about 2-3 days, then goes off. Recently, CEL is coming on more frequently and staying on longer. I took it to my mechanic today - Code is P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency. Tested O2 sensors - OK. "Catalytic Converter has no ability to store oxygen on rich side." They want $2900 (!!) to replace the CC ($2500 part plus tax, 2 hrs labor). They refuse to install an OEM CC. I see I can buy an OEM CC for 1/10 the price or less, but the mechanic advises they are very unreliable. I did just pass my emission test last month, so won't need the next test for 23 more months. I don't want to invest this much in a 12-year old vehicle with 131,000 miles. It otherwise runs great, so I would hate to get rid of it. I could drive with the CEL on, but it could mask a future problem. The mechanic warned over time of back pressure, which would require a heavier pedal to accelerate, and reduced gas mileage. I'm not sure how to proceed, other than knowing I'm not investing $2900. Should I have another shop install an OEM CC, and if so, is there an OEM CC that is recommended? Do nothing? Start shopping for a replacement car?