sickntired

I just got a used 2001 Lexus RX300 with NAV. I used to have a 2000 Lexus RX300 (obviously w/o Nav). Anyways, on the 2000, the antenna would go up only when I wanted to listen to the radio. When I would listen to a CD or tape, the antenna would either retract or not extend (as the case may be depending on its prior position).

However, on the 2001, the antenna extends no matter what function is being used -- radio, tape, or CD. It only retracts when turning off the audio system or turning off the vehicle.

Is this normal or is there a short/miswire somewhere?

Thanks for any info.

digiphd

I asked the same question with my local Lexus Service Rep. and they stated that it is normal for any of the newer models.

Lil4X

Might prevent ejecting a cassette, defaulting back to previous radio selection and extending the antenna - in a carwash! That lesson cost me $120.

sickntired

hmm, good point.

mooretorque

Lil4X, you put your RX through the agony of a CAR WASH!!! Exposed your paint/clearcoat to those heartless commercial solvents???? What were you THINKING???!!!

cbest1465

I have a 2001 Silversport and my antenna only goes up when I use the radio. If I am playing the CD (which is most of the time), the antenna stays down.

Would this be part of the "C-BEST" programming feature the RX has?

Lil4X

Yeah, Doc, my bad! Unfortunately mine's a plowhorse, not a show pony.... At least it's "golden pearl" and the scratches don't show. Actually, I suspect the atmosphere down here is more corrosive than the commercial solvents! I usually have it hand-washed before picking up a client, with a quick rinse about twice a week during pollen season. You gotta love Lexus' paint, it stands up to a lot of punishment and still polishes up like new!

I just had to learn to keep my fingers off that radio button during routine exfoliation!


Cbest - Mine's a 2000, and if you turn the radio on, the antenna extends. If you then select tape or CD, the device starts playing and the antenna retracts. I got in trouble at this point by ejecting the cassette, which defaulted back to "radio" and extended the antenna again. Evidently I'm not the first to do this - they fixed that little idiosyncrasy by 2001.

Bonnette

My 2001 RX300 with NAV does the same thing. It's a pain in that I have to remember to turn
the CD player off before I drive into the garage because the top of the antenna hits the raised door.

mikey00

Just checked my 2001 non/nav and the antenna stays retracted when playing the CD. It's beginning to look like a nav thing.

HowieNJ

In my 2002, the antenna is up with radio on. When I press the CD button, down it goes.
Mine does not have NAV.

sickntired

Just found out why the antenna stays up from my service rep. This is apparently normal in vehicles with the NAV system because the audio system on these vehicles have R.D.S. radio reception which receives emergency radio broadcasts. These broadcasts will override any audio function when the audio system is on, and the antenna has to be up to receive these broadcasts.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

RDS ruins everything...has anyone figured out how to deactivate RDS?

salimshah

This makes sense. Good find

Salim