Removing the 2012 4x4 selector switch

There is a thread on illuminating the Taco 4x4 selector switch but it has run into a snag as Toyota redesigned the switch for 2012.
At this point in time nobody knows how to remove the switch to investigate the possibility of illuminating this switch which Toyota is too damn cheap to do on their own.
Anyone who has access to a 2012 service manual please chime in here.
Appreciate it.
Merle

 

Anyone?

 

Bump; I'm interested

 

HELP!!!, Someone help figure this one out.

Merle

 

Damn, I was at the the dealership not long ago and checked out a 12 Double Cab TRD O/R, never even thought to look at the 4x4 dial, can you post pics?

 

bump for someone to help you.

 

Stereo, climate controls and vent surround has to come out to get to the switch...

 

Have you all tried pulling the knob itself out of the housing. then you will have access to the mechanical switch behind it. The knob is likely glue or melted on to the switch unit and thus will take some force to remove it. You will probably have to re-adhere it to the switch after completing the mod.

 

Not trying to be a smart butt, but what leads you to this conclusion?
Service manual, experience, or ??
merle

 

Experience in wrenching on cars I just look at the picture and I know. Trust me in order to remove the switch, you will have to remove A/C controls, stereo and the trim which houses middle A/C fans...

 

OT, but is the instrument panel on 2012's backlit in blue?

 

I have a nephew that is a Toyota service manager in Michigan, I will contact him next week and confirm the correct method of removal, good or bad.

Merle

 

Contact made, 08 White Taco is correct.
The way is to remove the panel w/3switches (heating A/C)
pops right out with a thin pry device.
There appears to be two bolts holding the radio in and then two bolts holding in the complete light gray panel w/the a/c ducts.
I removed the a/c switches and quit as it was getting late in the day and I want to do it when I can take it all apart.
The butholes took an easy system (05-11) and complicated the hell out of it.
Damn

Merle

 

sub'd. thanks for the info, OP!

P.S. don't suppose you could find out how to remove the shifter knob, could you. and no, it doesn't un-screw on the 12's.

 

It should be just like the 05-11. Work on pulling out the ac controls first. Then unbolt and pull out the stereo. If it dosent come out, look for bolts. Next unbolt the silver trim piece. Then you will need to pry back the black dash pieces on either side to pull the silver 4x4 trim out. Then you will have access to the 4x4 switch.

The design is the same as the 05-11 so the assembably would also be. Just has a face lift.

 

UPDATE: I now have the switch removed and I can say it is a PITA.Right now it's just dangling by the wires waiting for me to decide where to go from here.

I will update as soon as I have a workable plan, then if succesful I will update in detail or admit defeat.

Stay tuned.

Merle

 

Mine is white.

I am going to have to get back there for my power sliding glass switch so i can take a look while im in there unless someone beats me to it.

 

Mine unscrews easily.

 

ya, i found that out! lol. it was sloppy lose on my 09, and tight as hell on this on. i didn't want to break anything, so i thought i would ask first.