The Toyota Prius, known for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly reputation, is a popular choice among drivers seeking a reliable and environmentally conscious vehicle. One common maintenance task that Prius owners may encounter is replacing or removing the antenna base. While it may seem like a daunting task, removing the Prius antenna base is relatively straightforward with the proper tools and a few simple steps. Whether you’re upgrading to a new antenna or simply need to make repairs, this comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to safely and efficiently remove the Prius antenna base from your 2013 model.
Before embarking on this task, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools and safety gear. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a plastic pry tool or a spudger, and gloves to protect your hands. Additionally, ensure you park your Prius in a safe and well-lit area to minimize distractions and increase visibility. Once you have your tools and safety gear ready, you can proceed with the removal process by following the step-by-step guide outlined below.
To begin, locate the antenna base on the roof of your 2013 Prius. It is typically situated near the center of the roof and surrounded by a black plastic cover. Using the flathead screwdriver, gently pry open the plastic cover by inserting the tip of the screwdriver into the small gap between the cover and the roof. Once the cover is loose, you can remove it completely by hand. Next, use the Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screws that secure the antenna base to the roof. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully pull the antenna base straight up and off the roof. Be sure to handle the antenna base with care to avoid damaging it or the surrounding components.
Locate the Antenna Base
The antenna base on your 2013 Prius is located on the roof of the vehicle, towards the rear. To find it, follow these steps:
- Stand behind the vehicle and look up at the roof.
- Locate the black plastic base that is attached to the roof with a single bolt.
- This is the antenna base.
Here’s a more detailed description of each step:
- Stand behind the vehicle and look up at the roof. This will give you a clear view of the top of the vehicle.
- Locate the black plastic base that is attached to the roof with a single bolt. The base is circular and about 2 inches in diameter. It is located towards the rear of the roof, near the center.
- This is the antenna base. Once you have found the base, you can proceed to the next step to remove it.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stand behind the vehicle and look up at the roof. |
| 2 | Locate the black plastic base that is attached to the roof with a single bolt. |
| 3 | This is the antenna base. |
Remove the Interior Trim Panel
To remove the interior trim panel around the base of the antenna, follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Locate the Trim Panel
Identify the trim panel surrounding the antenna base on the headliner. It is usually a rectangular or circular panel made of plastic or fabric.
Step 2: Detach the Trim Panel
Gently use a pry tool or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth to carefully pry the trim panel loose from the headliner. Insert the tool into the gap around the edge of the panel and apply gentle pressure to release the clips holding it in place. Work around the perimeter of the panel, detaching the clips one at a time.
Step 3: Remove the Trim Panel
Once all the clips are released, carefully lift the trim panel away from the headliner. Disconnect any wiring or cables attached to the panel, such as those for the antenna or roof light (if applicable). Place the trim panel in a safe location to prevent damage.
Detach the Antenna Base
1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver or a trim removal tool into the small slot at the base of the antenna. Gently pry the antenna base loose from the roof of the vehicle.
2. Once the antenna base is loose, remove it from the vehicle and set it aside.
Detach the Antenna Cable
1. Locate the antenna cable that is attached to the base of the antenna. The cable will be held in place by a small plastic clip or screw.
2. If the cable is held in place by a clip, use a flat-head screwdriver or a trim removal tool to pry the clip open and release the cable.
3. If the cable is held in place by a screw, use a screwdriver to remove the screw and release the cable.
| Antenna Cable Connector | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Plastic Clip | Pry open the clip with a flat-head screwdriver or a trim removal tool. |
| Screw | Remove the screw with a screwdriver. |
4. Once the antenna cable is released, carefully pull the cable through the hole in the roof of the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the antenna cable from the antenna base by pressing on the release button on the connector and pulling the two connectors apart.
Unscrew the Antenna Base Bolts
Now, let’s tackle the real task: removing the antenna base. You’ll need a 10mm socket wrench or a deep socket set for this step.
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First, locate the four bolts holding the antenna base to the roof. They should be arranged in a square pattern.
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Take your socket wrench and carefully insert it into the first bolt. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
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Repeat this process for the remaining three bolts.
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Once all four bolts are loose, you can remove the antenna base by gently lifting it straight up.
Now that you have the antenna base removed, you can move on to disconnecting the antenna wire. Remember to handle the antenna with care to avoid any damage.
Additional Tips for Unscrewing the Bolts
Here are some helpful tips to make unscrewing the bolts easier and more efficient:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a Deep Socket | A deep socket will provide better access to the bolts beneath the antenna base. |
| Apply Pressure | Apply steady pressure to the wrench while turning it. Using excessive force could damage the bolts. |
| Use a Penetrating Oil | If the bolts are rusted or corroded, apply a penetrating oil around the threads to loosen them. |
Remove the Antenna Base
Step 1: Remove the Center Console
Begin by removing the center console by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place. Once the bolts are removed, lift the console upwards to disconnect it from the vehicle’s electrical system.
Step 2: Locate the Antenna Connector
Underneath the center console, you will find the antenna connector. It is typically located near the firewall and connected to a wiring harness.
Step 3: Disconnect the Antenna Wire
Disconnect the antenna wire from the connector by pressing on the release button or tab. Note that the location and shape of the release mechanism may vary depending on the specific model year.
Step 4: Unscrew the Antenna Base
Locate the antenna base, which is connected to the antenna wire and mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Using a suitable tool such as a wrench or socket, unscrew the antenna base and carefully remove it from the roof.
Step 5: Clean and Reinstall the Antenna Base
Before reinstalling the antenna base, it’s important to clean both the base and the mounting surface on the roof. This will ensure optimal sealing and prevent moisture ingress. Apply a thin layer of sealant or adhesive to the base of the antenna before screwing it back into place. Tighten the bolts securely, ensuring a snug and watertight connection.
| Tools Required | Safety Precautions |
|---|---|
| Phillips head screwdriver | Wear gloves to avoid cuts |
| Wrench or socket | Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components |
| Sealant or adhesive | Park on a stable and level surface |
Clean the Contact Points
After removing the antenna base, you will need to clean the contact points where it attached to the vehicle’s roof. Dirt and corrosion can build up over time, causing problems with the antenna’s signal reception. To clean the contact points, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or a specialized contact cleaner. Gently rub the swab over the points until they are free of dirt and debris. Once the contact points are clean, allow them to dry completely before reattaching the antenna base.
| Materials required |
|---|
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Additional tips for cleaning the contact points:
- Be careful not to use too much force when cleaning the contact points, as this could damage them.
- If the contact points are heavily corroded, you may need to use a fine-grit sandpaper to remove the corrosion. Be sure to clean the contact points thoroughly with rubbing alcohol after sanding.
- Once the contact points are clean, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to them to help prevent future corrosion.
Reinstall the Antenna Base
Once the old antenna base is removed, you can proceed to install the new one. Follow these steps:
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Align the new antenna base with the mounting holes on the roof.
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Place the washers onto the bolts.
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Tighten the bolts using the torque wrench to the specified torque setting.
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Install the antenna by screwing it onto the antenna base.
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Connect the antenna wire to the antenna base.
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Secure the antenna wire with the provided zip tie or electrical tape.
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Test the antenna by turning on the radio and checking for a clear signal.
| Year | Bolt Size | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2018 | M6 | 12-15 |
Secure the Antenna Cable
Once the antenna base is removed, you’ll need to secure the antenna cable. Here’s how to do it:
Locate the Antenna Cable
Identify the antenna cable, which is usually a black or gray wire that runs from the antenna base to the back of the car.
Disconnect the Antenna Cable
Gently pull the antenna cable straight out of the antenna base. Do not twist or bend the cable.
Wrap the Antenna Cable
Use electrical tape or a zip tie to wrap the disconnected antenna cable. This will prevent it from dangling or getting damaged.
Route the Antenna Cable
Carefully route the wrapped antenna cable along the existing wiring harness or any designated channels in the car’s interior.
Secure the Antenna Cable
Use cable clips or zip ties to secure the antenna cable to the car’s frame or interior panels. This will keep it in place and prevent it from moving around.
Reconnect the Antenna Cable
Locate the antenna port on the back of the car’s radio or audio system. Align the antenna cable with the port and gently push it in until it clicks into place.
Tighten the Antenna Cable
Hand-tighten the antenna cable by turning it clockwise. Do not overtighten the cable, as this could damage the port or the cable.
Reattach the Interior Trim Panel
9. Reattach the Interior Trim Panel:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| a. | Locate the plastic clips around the perimeter of the trim panel. |
| b. | Align the clips with the corresponding slots on the interior panel. |
| c. | Apply pressure to the trim panel around the edges to reconnect the clips. |
| d. | Make sure the trim panel is securely fastened and doesn’t rattle. |
| e. | Tighten the screws in the lower corners of the trim panel to further secure it. |
| f. | Carefully pull on the trim panel to ensure it is securely attached. |
| g. | If necessary, adjust the clips or screws until the trim panel fits snugly. |
| h. | Replace the A-pillar trim cover by snapping it back into place. |
| i. | Check that all the trim panels, screws, and clips are properly secured. |
Remember to handle the trim panels with care to avoid damage. If you encounter any difficulties, consult with a qualified mechanic.
Test the Antenna
Before you start removing the antenna base, it’s important to test the antenna to make sure it’s not working properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn on your car radio.
- Tune to a radio station that you know has a strong signal.
- If you hear static or interference, it means that your antenna is not working properly.
- If you don’t hear any static or interference, it means that your antenna is working properly and you can proceed to removing the antenna base.
Here are some additional tips for testing your antenna:
- If you have a multimeter, you can use it to test the continuity of the antenna wire.
- You can also try connecting a different antenna to your car radio to see if it works.
- If you’re still having trouble, you can take your car to a mechanic to have them diagnose the problem.
How To Remove Prius Antenna Base 2013
To remove the Prius antenna base in a 2013 model, follow these steps:
1.
Locate the antenna base on the roof of the vehicle.
2.
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the antenna base to the roof.
3.
Gently pull up on the antenna base to remove it from the roof.
4.
Disconnect the antenna wire from the antenna base.
5.
Remove the antenna base from the vehicle.
People Also Ask About How To Remove Prius Antenna Base 2013
How do you remove the shark fin antenna on a Prius?
To remove the shark fin antenna on a Prius, follow these steps:
- Locate the shark fin antenna on the roof of the vehicle.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the antenna to the roof.
- Gently pull up on the antenna to remove it from the roof.
- Disconnect the antenna wire from the antenna base.
- Remove the antenna from the vehicle.
How do you remove the roof rack on a Prius?
To remove the roof rack on a Prius, follow these steps:
- Locate the four bolts that secure the roof rack to the roof of the vehicle.
- Using a wrench, remove the four bolts.
- Gently lift the roof rack off of the roof of the vehicle.
- Remove the roof rack from the vehicle.
How do you remove the antenna on a Prius?
To remove the antenna on a Prius, follow these steps:
- Locate the antenna on the roof of the vehicle.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screw that secures the antenna to the roof.
- Gently pull up on the antenna to remove it from the roof.
- Remove the antenna from the vehicle.
