Dash lights

[Sisukid1975]

Hey all,

Anyone ever had to replace the light bulbs that illuminate the air conditioning controls on a 4th Gen 4Runner?

The center cluster is burnt out on mine. The book at the auto parts store doesn't even list the replacement bulb for the dash in the 4Runner?

How difficult is it to get at the bulb? Does it require removal of the dash or center console?

Any advice appreciated.

Fred

[Cruiserhead]

Bulldog has a step-by-step on removal of the hvac piece. Look at the tech writeups (click banner, go to tech writeups) and the ipod adapter writeup

good luck!

[Sisukid1975]

Thanks.

I'll have to look at the writeup for taking the dash apart when I get home from work....

Stupid websense at the office blocks that page for some reason.

Thanks again,
Fred

[bulldog]

Basically you just need to pop out that little console in front of the gearshift. Then there is a phillips screw you have to unscrew in the location where the console was. Then you can simply pull out the display area, it requires a bit of a pop to loosen the clips. Be careful not too mess it up. Unplug the wire on the back.

I found that mine was dimmer on side compared to the other. It seems the bulbs actually make poor contact to the copper surface, so you might find that loosening them and bending the contacts will make it work again.

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/IMG_0457.JPG

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/IMG_0459.JPG

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/IMG_0460.JPG

http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/IMG_0465.JPG

Good luck.

[Jesse]

Thanks Bulldog....Seems pretty straight forward. I appreciate all the help!

[bmad20]

I had to replace one of my bulbs for the A/C controls.. The bulb was $3.67 at the dealership, and I got it the next day. You can go to toyotapartsbarn.com or toyotapartsbin.com also..

[MysticZ]

I replaced mine 2 times and now it's dimming again, I give up even trying to change it already.

[joshik]

my center cluster went out a while back but it works now except for the passenger temp. o well.

also, my driverside seat heater control light is out unless u pound on it...bad contact im assuming.

also, my digital display brightness varies occasionally...like one side is dimmer....so i turn the dimmer all the way down then back up and its fine. weird