4runner - Replacing AC controls and ECT Illumination Bulbs **PICTURES**

The illumination bulbs were out on my AC controls, ECT, rear window button, rear defroster, and power point.

This is a write up on the step by step process I took to replace the bulbs.

My research was done here: ***************************************************************************

After reading thru those threads, I determined I needed the following part numbers. These are for a 2001 4runner, the bulbs for other 4runner generations might be different.

2001 4runner limited climate control light bulbs:

Part Number #81850-35050 - 2 Total
Part Number #81850-35040 - 2 Total

Hazard control light bulb:

Part Number #84999-10860 - 1 Total

ECT and Defroster light bulb:

Part Number #90010-01041 - 1 Total

Rear window roll down:

Part Number #90010-01042 - 1 Total

Cigarette lighter:

Part Number #84999-10250 - 1 Total

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Ordered all my bulbs from Camelback Toyota:



Removing the center console cup holder, this is done by tugging it off:





Then removing the shifter surround:



Next, the radio surround is removed, gently pry it away from the dash:



Pull it out slowly to reveal the plugs by the ac vents:



Unplug the power point plugs:





Once the power point plug connector has been removed, locate the bulb - it is the gray end of the power point:



Twist to remove:



Next, I removed the hazard switch:



This is done by releasing the side tabs:



Next, I removed this portion:



This is done by releasing tabs at the ends AND at the top center:





Next I removed the AC controls faceplate, tabs are on top. This is very flimsy, so careful:





I then removed the screws that hold in the AC control unit, disconnected the rear plugs and pulled it out:



At this moment, I went ahead and installed the power point bulb:



Time for some surgery. Hazard switch:



Twist and pull out the bulb, replace with new one:



Now the strip, this has two bulbs. One for defroster and ECT, another bulb for the rear window switch:



A needle nose pliers will allow the removal of one of the bulbs.



To remove the other, the backing must be removed, a small flat head screwdriver helps here. I then removed the other bulb and replaced it.



Next step of the surgery was to open the front of the AC control unit. I removed two screws. FOUR tabs need to be released on the top and bottom. Forks or toothpicks help keeping tabs open while I worked on other tabs.







Carefully opened the AC control unit..





Bulbs removed and replaced:





I then assembled the AC control unit together.

Reinstalled everything back together.

Finally have all my illumination working properly!