Is it ok to remove this..

Thanks in advance. I’m tracing down a squeak. I’m thinking the previous owner when they installed an automatic starter (having removed soon) they took a piece apart and maybe put it in wrong. It’s on the drivers side, it’s the piece that has an oh **** handle bar on the passengers side. On the drivers side it says airbag on it. Is it safe to remove that and reinstall or is it housing things that I shouldn’t mess with..

 

If you're talking about the a-pillar cover, yes that thing can be taken off and on.

 

The little "SRS airbag" piece is a screw cover. Pry it off to access the bolt holding the A-pillar cover in place. The curtain airbag, a bunch of wiring, and moonroof drain tube (if you got one) are behind the cover. The inside edge of the cover should have a strip of foam on it to reduce rattles. Make sure the foam is present.

When reinstalling the A-pillar trim, it helps to pry off the speaker cover first so you can see the tabs properly engage in the slots.

 

This?



But there would be no reason to remove this to install a remote start, if that's what you're talking about.

 

Yes that’s it! I think they ran the cable down from the windshield through it the sensor wire that is

 

Not saying they didn't remove it for some reason. But it wasn't to install a remote start kit.

 

Awe yes upon further inspection they did not, I am getting a very loud squeak around that area down near the windshield no idea why only happens when it’s colder anyways I’ll troubleshoot this thanks guys

 

^Could be the A-pillar cover or speaker cover isn't installed correctly. Check the tweeter screws are tight. Previous owner could've installed upgraded speakers, then put the OEM ones back before selling.

 

Thank you! I will loving this truck - just slowly making it mine and working out the kinks!

 

I will say, I noticed a very annoying swqueak when I put upward preasure on the steering wheel, I crawled undenewth and there is a metal bracket that attaches to the body of the truck, sure enough that’s what it squeaking.. bolt seems tight but it’s metal on metal noise.. no idea how to fix this.

 

Just keep in mind that there is a side-curtain airbag under it and across the top of the door/window. Take no chances: disconnect the negative battery cable before you touch any "SRS" covers, trim caps or bolts. (If it was me, I would remove the positive cable as well).
Don't aggravate it. If it goes off while you're working there you'll have a very bad day. (very expensive too)

 

Does the squeak change or disappear if you adjust the steering column tilt and telescope setting?

There are videos showing how to drop the knee bolster panel if you want to open it up for a closer look. Be mindful there's a knee airbag in there, too.

 

Unfortunately no, it’s from a mounting bracket higher above

 

Here’s a question - the squeak I’m hearing is up front near the windshield, where the dash meets the windshield when I press on it it sounds like metal contact sound, no idea it’s above the drivers side right near the metal vin plate.. any ideas and how I could get under that area and locate it? Annoying!

 

Try pushing a few toothpicks into crack area near column plastic to see if noise stops. If it does, you found the noise spot. Once located, replace with folds of electrical tape. Just an idea. Had similar issue I solved on passenger side several years ago. Hope you find it.

 

Unfortunately it’s not there, so strange it’s above my steering wheel area. Actually, when I put upward pressure on the wheel I hear the sound on my dash, something is transferring. I think my only solution is to remove the teeter and see if I can reach in and see.. I also have a snake I can use to fish in there and see it on my phone. This 3rd gen is simply not as rugged as my 2nd and it almost hurts my heart in a way

 

You can pull instrument cluster out fairly easily might just be the trim pieces. Might just be something not seated.

 

Hmm, okay! That’s great to know.. any threads on how to do so?

 

Top trim piece snaps off light pull and 4 bolts. You can at least check to ensure things are tight and snapped into place, cluster bolts snug. Might solve it. Keep it simple.

 

Has the windshield ever been replaced? If the windshield is original it will have Toyota on the glass near the VIN. I have heard of issues with improperly installed windshields squeaking. It may be hard to tell if it was replaced with an OEM windshield.