Full Dash Removal

Well I got it done, wasn’t that bad really. Being able to remember which plugs are used and which ones aren’t is the biggest challenge.

 

Do you have to open that box up to get to the expansion valve? IF so can you take pictures of the inside. My AC is stuck on defrost and I have replaced the mode motor.

 

The expansion valve can be replaced from the engine bay side, without touching the interior. I opened up the box to replace the evaporator core.

 

Nice work, OP! I got as far as needing to take the crasher out, but didn't't need to get inside the HVAC.

 

Have you checked that the doors aren't physically stuck?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-information-diagnostics.784008/#post-28042158

 

Thanks. I was looking for a picture of the inside of the box. Trying to figure out why its stuck on defrost. Taking the dash apart for someone who has the attention span of a flea like myself isn't going to happen. Nice work by the way.

 

No. Thank you for this.

 

I'm about to tackle this to replace my evaporator. I'm thinking of replacing the heater core while I'm in there. Is there anything else ya'll would recommend doing while I've got the entire dash opened up?

 

Check that the blend doors are in good condition and move properly while you have the box apart.

 

Is there a way to check whether they'll likely need replacement before I get in there? I'm hoping to have all the parts on hand before I get the dash apart to be able to do this all in a weekend.

 

I mean if it changes modes and temp like it's supposed to and you have good airflow then most likely they are ok.
I don't even know if they are sold separate of the case anyway, it was just a thought. I've found them broken before in other stuff I've worked on (especially Dodge trucks) but I have only had one Toyota apart.

 

Cool thanks. Temp change works fine, it's just the evaporator is bad. I figured changing the heater core so I don't have to deal with the fear of that lovely fresh cookie smell. I'm planning on changing head units while I'm in there, and probably adding heated seats.

 

OMG it only took you about 30 minutes? That's amazing!

Also saw the photo with even more removed. Great job, and to others that have taken on the task.

 

Holy shit @Pittsy. I feel for you after watching the video @Dm93 posted.

I'd do it if I had to, but if I had to do the job on a vehicle I relied on as a daily driver I don't think I'd be able to sleep until I got it back together and knew everything worked. I'd have to rent a friggen car to keep the anxiety from taking 10 years off my life over the 3 to 4 days the job would take. And, that's if I were lucky...

Best of luck

 

The plastic part of the dash took 30 minutes. The rest of it was another story, lol.

 

Ok - but you did it!

 

What would cause the doors to be stuck? I took the servo off again and plugged it back in not attached and it seems to run fine. The shaft on the box doesn't move at all.

 

I am in the middle of this now. Have to say that I am not thrilled about decoupling the steering!

 

No big deal just make sure you don't rotate the steering wheel with the shaft disconnected and destroy the clockspring.

 

Nice for some reason I got all the way to the main top dash then couldn’t figure that part out. I need to rip it out again.