Swapping out the entire wiring harness on my 2021 Tacoma.

Hi, I just got my first Toyota Tacoma 2021 TRD Sport. Unfortunately, the wiring harness has been cut in a couple spots and I have to swap out the entire harness. I've been doing some google searches and can't seem to find a how to video anywhere. Currently taking out the entire dash and it looks very complex. Already broke several clips. Has anyone else done this type of work and have any recommendations/tips on how to do it correctly? Thank you!

 

Holy smokes...you have a crazy amount of work ahead of you. Have you sourced all of the harnesses required already? Or is there a harness in particular you are focused on replacing?

 

Yeah I'm looking to swap out the Body Wiring Harness (already picked one up) Currently I'm struggling to remove the dashboard panel. I just don't know where to even begin and what's the best way to handle this arduous task! Have you done this kind of work before?

 

I've taken the entire dash out of my truck before, but not the wiring harness. Not practical to do a video because it takes about 4 hours to get to this point. Any particular thing you're hung up on?

 

Do you have a service manual? That would be a big help.

 

Thank you. The images are helpful. I’m currently stuck on getting the entire dash off. I Don’t have a service manual. This is my first Toyota Tacoma. Previous owner ended up cutting a bunch of wires on the harness like the radio, headlights, backup camera etc. Figured it would be best to just swap out the entire wiring harness.

 

The entire dash has at least a dozen components. Almost all of it held together with both screws and snaps. Most of the dash parts are also interlocking so it has to come off in order. I had temporarily bought a subscription to techinfo which is Toyota's online shop manual. I've seen a pdf of the shop manual around here a few times. How much have you taken off so far?

 

Haven’t gotten too far. This is where I got stuck on

 

Is the dash being held by anything from the exterior? I’ve already broken a bunch of snaps trying to take it off from the inside. This thing is a pain

 

Any clue why they cut the wire harness (verses unplugging the connectors)?

 

I think the previous owner committed insurance fraud and stripped off all the valuable parts like Radio, backup camera, visors, headlights etc. Wish he just unplugged the wires instead of cutting them

 

Welcome to the forum

I hope you got one heck of a deal on this thing.

 

Search up how to remove the AC Evaporator.... you have to remove the dash to get at the evaporator.... I think there may some valuable information under that topic.

 

May be useful.

https://youtu.be/RyzdHQ47GY4?si=KZcXb35oFSykOS7v

See this post from 2nd gen.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/evaporator-replacement.556336/page-2#post-18157715

 

There are no screws holding the dash on from the exterior.

Based on what I can see, you're almost there.
1. You need to remove the steering column cover, the steering wheel, and the turn signal/wiper stalks. It's pretty straight forward but you need to look at the airbag connector closely as you disconnect it. There's a part that pulls out half way and then it slides off. Make sure you battery is disconnected and wait a bit before disconnecting airbags.
2. You will also need to disconnect the passenger airbag.
3. Finish unplugging the connectors and get those control panels out of the way.
4. If I recall, the rest of the dash is held on by screws that are along the bottom of the dash.
5. I'm not sure if it's strictly necessary, but I also removed the A pillar trim. Just 1 bolt on the driver side, 2 on the passenger.
Once you get all the screws out the dash practically falls out. There are 5 self aligning pins at the top that keep the top of the dash aligned.

Some things you should do to your dash while it's out. There is a bunch of stuff mounted to the underside of the dash, I think 2 electronics modules and your vent/defroster plumbing. I'd take the time to retorque those screws as mine were loose and it contributes to rattles under the dash. I took my interior apart mainly to apply sound insulation/deadening - it's also a good opportunity to do that if you are inclined.

 

Thank you so much!

 

Thanks a bunch! This is super helpful!

 

Service manual, I hope it helps.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cx5nnlnCzlhI45D1vbBMj1ni983SKdKf/view