Blank switches.

Does anybody know if there is a reason why Toyota uses a different switch location for ECT power and the Clutch Start Cancel buttons?

It seems strange that they don’t use the same switch location for those 2 buttons since the Clutch Start Cancel button is only installed in the manual transmission trucks and the ECT power button is only installed in the automatic trucks.

Because they use a different switch location for the buttons fully loaded Tacomas always have a blank switch. All automatics have a blank switch to the left of the steering wheel where the Clutch Start Cancel button is on the manual trucks and all manual trucks have a blank switch in the center console where the ECT power button is on the automatic trucks.

If I were designing the interior I would have used the same location for both switches that way a fully loaded truck wouldn’t have any blank switches. Just seems like a strange oversight especially considering that both functions are transmission related.

 

Blank switch locations are great. Just look at mesojdm's custom switch panel thread for folks who want moar locations. I have a seven switch panel that I need to get installed and only have plans for five at the moment.

This is not even mentioning the truck industry trend of putting in factory aux switches like on the Jeep JL and the Ford pickups.

 

And why are the side windows, sunroof, and rear sliding window switches all over the place?

 

Seriously it seems like a problem with all car companies. I have never been able to figure out how they decide on the switch locations.

 

So it looks like I answered my own question. It seems like the reason there is always a blank button is for the glass break sensor. Here is a photo of one with the sensor installed: https://carpictureupdate.com/wp-con...rive-of-toyota-tundra-manual-transmission.jpg and here is the part: https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota_2018_Tacoma/Security-System/69524469/PT39835160.html

In this photo of the part on Amazon you can see the indicator that goes into the blank switch spot

$221 TOYOTA Genuine PT398-35160 Vehicle Intrusion Protection Security System

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-PT398-35160-Intrusion-Protection-Security/dp/B014JF36QQ

Now it makes sense why there is always a blank button but I still find it strange that they don't put the ECT power switch and the Clutch Start Cancel switches in the same place.

 

The youngest, least experienced engineer gets the job of switch layout. Either that or it’s the oldest one with a don’t give a crap attitude

 

What I need help with is how to remove the switch panel under the climate controls to add a couple of switches and the alarm sensor.

 

If you still are looking at how to remove the panel under the HVAC controls I can help. It's kinda in depth and requires a few others to be removed or dropped down first. I can post pics later if you want. I'm getting ready to tear my interior apart for the millionth time.