1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Plastic removal

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by dirt clod, Jul 31, 2025 at 8:19 AM.

  1. Jul 31, 2025 at 8:19 AM
    #1
    dirt clod

    dirt clod [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2024
    Member:
    #447280
    Messages:
    40
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2023 Tacoma
    I will be adding a Redarc and also another switch. Using a pry tool, does this whole assembly come out?

    image.jpg
     
  2. Jul 31, 2025 at 8:21 AM
    #2
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2022
    Member:
    #394355
    Messages:
    4,653
    Gender:
    Male
    Plano, TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM TRD On-Road DCSB MT
    RC60F Transmission ADD delete with FJ full-time tube FJ Metal Clutch Pedal OEM Mexico-Spec Condenser Fan 265/70R16 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 OEM 1-Piece Lug Nuts Custom Built Switch Panel for all Electrical Accessories Rigid Amber Pro D-SS Ditch Lights Rigid 30" SAE High Beam Driving Light Bar Rigid SR-Q Pro Back-Up Light Kit (Recessed) VLEDS Tail Conversion VLEDS Foot Well Light Kit KC HiLites Cyclone V2 Under Hood Lights Operable (Switched) Clutch Safety Bypass
    I found it difficult to get that panel out of there….I ended up pulling the trim off of the dash a bit and then pushing the smaller trim out from behind. That was easier.
     
  3. Jul 31, 2025 at 8:38 AM
    #3
    AZPhys13

    AZPhys13 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2020
    Member:
    #349448
    Messages:
    462
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD OR DCLB - MGM
    A plastic trim tool will do the trick. I think the last time I had it off I used a skinny tool with a little lip that clicked in behind the panel. It ended up being more of a pull than a pry.
    upload_2025-7-31_8-38-47.png
     
    dirt clod[OP] likes this.
  4. Jul 31, 2025 at 8:46 AM
    #4
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2018
    Member:
    #275833
    Messages:
    13,455
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Dee Eff Dub
    Vehicle:
    I drive a Miata.
    I was unaware that the panel pried out. Its much easier to pull the lower dash assembly.
     
    dirt clod[OP] and jmneill like this.
  5. Jul 31, 2025 at 9:09 AM
    #5
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2018
    Member:
    #260876
    Messages:
    3,278
    Gender:
    Male
    SE
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tacoma Sport ACC CB Inferno
    Jakerou, dirt clod[OP] and Danner488 like this.
  6. Jul 31, 2025 at 9:29 AM
    #6
    Danner488

    Danner488 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2021
    Member:
    #379560
    Messages:
    190
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Sport
    dirt clod[OP] likes this.
  7. Jul 31, 2025 at 11:10 AM
    #7
    wake100

    wake100 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2013
    Member:
    #108784
    Messages:
    1,166
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Syracuse, NY
    Vehicle:
    2021 AG DCLB off road 4x4
    Uptop roof rack, cali raised light bar, diamondback tonneau
    Woah. i use a pocket knife and pry from the upper side and it pops right out
     
    Danner488 and dirt clod[OP] like this.
  8. Jul 31, 2025 at 3:15 PM
    #8
    canuck guy

    canuck guy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2014
    Member:
    #143633
    Messages:
    1,507
    Gender:
    Male
    Alberta
    Vehicle:
    23TRDOR
    Yay for the good ole pocket knife.
    Good for everything except bolts.
     
  9. Jul 31, 2025 at 6:04 PM
    #9
    Toycoma2021

    Toycoma2021 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2021
    Member:
    #351607
    Messages:
    1,806
    Northern California, Temporarily
    Vehicle:
    2021 Access Cab, LB, AT, V6, Off Road
    I remove mine regularly. The best pry point for me is the left-hand side mid-way where the levels change and the edge is most accessible. Pops right out with a bit of force. Don't bother with the Redarc video unless you wish to get further into the vehicle guts. Use a plastic tool, not a knife.
     
  10. Jul 31, 2025 at 6:33 PM
    #10
    wake100

    wake100 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2013
    Member:
    #108784
    Messages:
    1,166
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Syracuse, NY
    Vehicle:
    2021 AG DCLB off road 4x4
    Uptop roof rack, cali raised light bar, diamondback tonneau

    Even though I use a knife, I’ve taken mine out a few times, if new to removing it I would recommend the plastic tool though
     
    Willy Lump Lump likes this.
  11. Jul 31, 2025 at 6:36 PM
    #11
    Willy Lump Lump

    Willy Lump Lump Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2024
    Member:
    #447740
    Messages:
    1,293
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    21’ dcsbmt
    This and that
    Yeah but you’re from the cuse though. People from upstate tend to get things done, and then look at it later.
     
  12. Jul 31, 2025 at 6:37 PM
    #12
    RichochetRabbit

    RichochetRabbit Bing Bing Bing

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2023
    Member:
    #419488
    Messages:
    6,164
    Prying with a knife always has risks. Plastic pry tool.
     
  13. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:32 AM
    #13
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2018
    Member:
    #260876
    Messages:
    3,278
    Gender:
    Male
    SE
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tacoma Sport ACC CB Inferno
    The OP is mounting a Redarc controller...
     
    Willy Lump Lump likes this.
  14. Aug 1, 2025 at 7:20 AM
    #14
    Willy Lump Lump

    Willy Lump Lump Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2024
    Member:
    #447740
    Messages:
    1,293
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    21’ dcsbmt
    This and that
    Isn’t it just plug it in, secure box, run wire for controller?
     
  15. Aug 1, 2025 at 7:23 AM
    #15
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2018
    Member:
    #260876
    Messages:
    3,278
    Gender:
    Male
    SE
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tacoma Sport ACC CB Inferno
    Yep, but you need more access under the dash to mount the controller than popping the little panel alone provides.
     
  16. Aug 1, 2025 at 7:26 AM
    #16
    Willy Lump Lump

    Willy Lump Lump Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2024
    Member:
    #447740
    Messages:
    1,293
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    21’ dcsbmt
    This and that
    Well if you pop it from the back, you’ve removed the sill, kickplate, and knee thing.
     
  17. Aug 1, 2025 at 7:28 AM
    #17
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2018
    Member:
    #260876
    Messages:
    3,278
    Gender:
    Male
    SE
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tacoma Sport ACC CB Inferno
    yea, it's quick and easy.
    A minute to pull it all, and a few to re-assemble.
     
  18. Aug 1, 2025 at 7:41 AM
    #18
    Willy Lump Lump

    Willy Lump Lump Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2024
    Member:
    #447740
    Messages:
    1,293
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    21’ dcsbmt
    This and that
    I think it takes longer to actually find the YouTube vid (couple of ads) than just doing it.
     
    jmneill[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Aug 1, 2025 at 9:38 AM
    #19
    Toycoma2021

    Toycoma2021 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2021
    Member:
    #351607
    Messages:
    1,806
    Northern California, Temporarily
    Vehicle:
    2021 Access Cab, LB, AT, V6, Off Road
    The OP's question was how to remove the switch panel; his post did not ask the rest of the question on how to install the controller. One of the original videos (it seems one video has been removed, IIRC) showed using a knife to do so - that was in my opinion moronic of a company to have in a video. Too easy to slip up and do damage. Sorry if I did not make it clear I was in complete opposition to using a knife to do so.

    My original statement which you choose to "selectively" quote:
    "Don't bother with the Redarc video unless you wish to get further into the vehicle guts."

    Yes, the remaining Redarc video would be helpful when he actually does the controller install. For removing the switch panel not so much.

    The OP also references installing another switch. We don't know if he will do both operations at the same time. I choose to answer his question only.
     
  20. Aug 1, 2025 at 9:46 AM
    #20
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2018
    Member:
    #260876
    Messages:
    3,278
    Gender:
    Male
    SE
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tacoma Sport ACC CB Inferno
    OP will NEED to get further into the dash to mount the Redarc, whether he knew it or not...
     

Products Discussed in

To Top