Tacoma Antenna Mast Tool

I bought my first Tacoma last October and read the manual a couple of times to familiarize myself after a lifetime of Silverados. Noted that the manual recommended removing the antenna before running the vehicle through a car wash. Didn't think anything more about that since I don't usually use carwashes until we got several snow storms. The local practice is to spray the roads with a brine solution prior to the storm. Again not an issue since I'm retired and don't go out until the roads are cleared and dry. Recently had to go out before the roads were clear and worried about the effect of the brine on the undercarriage. Toyota headquarters told me that the wrench should have been in the glovebox but could not tell me anything more than the fact that it was an 8mm wrench. The dealership told me (eventually) that they used the wrench to install the antenna mast and then tossed them BUT would order one for me for $6.95 + tax. I would have to drive to the dealership, pay for the item and then return when it arrived. No offer to replace at no charge. Found this forum on my own and one poster had a picture of the nylon wrench. Looks like I found a reliable source of information on my Tacoma. Thanks

 

Welcome to TW.

I've NEVER removed or had problems with an antenna mast going through an automatic car was.

The "wrench" is cheesy. You're not missing much though it's crappy of the dealer dispose of your wrench, admitting to it and then charging you for a replacement when the manual recommends its usage.

 

The dealer confessed about the mistake they made in regards to the nylon wrench.Even with that being said i wouldn't pay for it!They should give it to you.

 

I just used a small crescent wrench.
Read about the Toyota "wrench" on TW and started looking for it.
Found a tiny plasticy thing in the folder with the manuals.
Will probably continue to use a crescent wrench.

 

Dealer didn't include with mine either when they delivered. I called and they gave me one, no charge.

 

I remove my antenna every time though the auto wash. AutoBell around here removes antennas prior to pulling into the wash. Have heard of them snapping off inside there. removed it the first time with that plastic doodad wrench, now just hand tight, and unscrews easy when needed. Good thing about the plastic one is it wont scratch the black metal, but I wouldn't pay for one, they should give you one.

 

Just FYI, be sure to take the antenna off before the wash... its not worth the pain of fixing the dent and replacing the antenna just to save a few seconds.

If you can't tell, I'm speaking from experience.

 

My antenna sits under my back seat collecting dust, I took it off and don't intend on using it

 

I'd tell the dealer to give you the wrench for the next mast they install since they just throw them away

 

my antenna wrench was in the compartments behind the back seats on my double cab.

 

Also yes you should remove it prior to the car wash because if there's no major damage done its going to at least get slightly bent or loosen up.

 

Wait they sell a special tool? LOL A small crescent wrench is my antenna tool.

 

Well it comes with it, mine was in the glove box but I guess it depends on where your dealer puts it

 

My dealer must have kept mine or I have yet to find it.

 

Lol it is like a prize in the cereal box