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dash removal

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by da0023, May 27, 2009.

  1. May 27, 2009 at 7:14 PM
    #1
    da0023

    #1
    da0023 [OP] The One, The Only

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    aight guys, my a/c/heat vent that is on the passenger side next to do the door broke yesterday. i picked up a replacement at our local salvage yard, along with the stock in-dash clock. anyway, i tried putting the vent back in the slot, but no success. it appears as if you have to take the dash out and slide the vent into 2 slots from the front...how on earth do you take the dash out. any pics. would be most helpful.
     
    da0023, May 27, 2009
    #1
  2. May 27, 2009 at 7:54 PM
    #2
    bigyetti

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    bigyetti Well-Known Member

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    sirius satilite radio, more on the way when i get more money. oh ya removed the secondary filter
    Thanks for your service. just experiment with taking it apart. label everything. I Aam sure someone here has pics or will give you a detailed instruction. good luck
     
    bigyetti, May 27, 2009
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  3. May 27, 2009 at 7:58 PM
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    da0023

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    da0023 [OP] The One, The Only

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    i don't know yetti, it's a pretty big task...i read one post saying that it pushes in from the front, i something will definitely break if i force it.
     
    da0023, May 27, 2009
    #3
  4. May 27, 2009 at 8:27 PM
    #4
    bigyetti

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    bigyetti Well-Known Member

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    sirius satilite radio, more on the way when i get more money. oh ya removed the secondary filter
    dont force it. do you have a haynes manuel or chilton. maybe google it. I have a bad habit of ripping and tearing worry about it later saying i messed up know i dont have $ to fix my scewup. it all will work out ill do some reseach
     
    bigyetti, May 27, 2009
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  5. May 27, 2009 at 8:37 PM
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    bigyetti

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    bigyetti Well-Known Member

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    sirius satilite radio, more on the way when i get more money. oh ya removed the secondary filter
    never hurts to try. i googled it but all i got was crap sorry
     
    bigyetti, May 27, 2009
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  6. May 27, 2009 at 8:39 PM
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    JimBeam

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    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    JimBeam, May 27, 2009
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  7. May 27, 2009 at 8:40 PM
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    bigyetti

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    bigyetti Well-Known Member

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    sirius satilite radio, more on the way when i get more money. oh ya removed the secondary filter
    i knew someone would provide the right link. computers hate me
     
    bigyetti, May 27, 2009
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  8. May 27, 2009 at 8:41 PM
    #8
    JimBeam

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    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    These instructions will help you take your dash apart to gain access to the instrument cluster and stereo receiver. Always pay attention to the disassembly procedure to remember how to re-assemble the dash.

    Tools Needed:
    Stubby
    Phillips Head
    Screwdriver Small
    Hook
    Tool
    OR
    Flat Head
    Screwdriver
    Phillips Head
    Screwdriver 10mm Nut
    Driver or
    Socket

    1: Remove all of the temperature control knobs, including the A/C button (95-00 models).
    Using a small hook or a flat-head screwdriver, carefully pull the control panel straight out. It will pop out with a slight tug.


    2: Remove two phillips head screws from behind temperature control panel.

    3: Remove ashtray and remove the phillips head screw on upper right side

    4: Carefully remove center black dash molding. This can be easily done by grabbing the plastic between the vents and the temperature controls and pulling toward you and slightly down. It will pop out with a slight tug.

    5: Disconnect the air bag harness, if applicable.
    At this point, you have access to the stereo receiver. The stereo brackets are attached using 4 10mm bolts. These bolts also have a phillips head, but it is recommended that you use a 10mm socket to remove them.

    If you wish to gain access to the instrument cluster, continue reading...

    6: Remove the (4) 10mm nuts from the dash molding below the steering wheel. Unscrew the Phillips screw under the left vent.

    7: Remove 2 phillips screws that hold the hood release mechanism in place. Manuver the hood release lever free from the dash molding. (The hood release lever may be left in place for the dash panel to lay in the floorboard, if desired)

    8: Carefully pull off the panel. There are clips holding the left side, which will pop off with a slight tug. If you are accessing the instrument cluster, this panel does not need to be completely removed, but rather just dropped down.

    9: Now, remove the clock and keyhole panel. It will pop straight off with a slight tug.

    10:Next unscrew the black trim around the gauges. There are two screws under the upper panel of the gauge trim panel. This is where the stubby Phillips head screwdriver comes in handy.

    11: Next pull the gauge trim out. Pull gently and take care not to pull too hard. If you have a tilt steering wheel, make sure it is tilted all the way down. There are several clips that will pop out with a slight tug.

    12: As you pull the gauge trim panel out, disconnect any applicable accesory harnesses: hazard flashers, ECT, clutch start cancel, rear locker, and the dimmer switch.

    13: Remove the 4 phillips screws that hold the instrument cluster in place. There are two on each side.

    14: Pull the instrument cluster partially out and disconnect the 3 wiring harnesses and remove cluster
    To gain access under the dash on the passenger side, remove the 2 Phillips head screws just beneath the glove box. Unlatch the glove box and take it out.
     
    JimBeam, May 27, 2009
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    Hamer95USA likes this.
  9. May 27, 2009 at 8:43 PM
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    bigyetti

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    bigyetti Well-Known Member

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    sirius satilite radio, more on the way when i get more money. oh ya removed the secondary filter
    thanks tigerfan
     
    bigyetti, May 27, 2009
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    Bluecord likes this.
  10. May 27, 2009 at 8:43 PM
    #10
    JimBeam

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    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    no problem

    its all about knowing WHERE to look
     
    JimBeam, May 27, 2009
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  11. May 28, 2009 at 4:24 AM
    #11
    da0023

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    da0023 [OP] The One, The Only

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    thanks for all the info guys, if i follow the instructions will it provide access to the vent above the glove box?
     
    da0023, May 28, 2009
    #11
  12. Jun 1, 2011 at 7:15 PM
    #12
    abbywig

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    abbywig Member

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    Looks like you finally got someone to give you ( and me) a place that clearly shows how to take the dash out. However, that doesn't make putting the vents back in any easier. I tried and had the same problem as I had when the dash was installed. I did finally figure out what the hell I was doing wrong....... I had the vents up side down. I tried it the other way and the vents popped right in without any issue.

    Hope that helps !!!!!
     
    abbywig, Jun 1, 2011
    #12
  13. Jun 1, 2011 at 11:10 PM
    #13
    G scott04

    #13
    G scott04 ...

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    Good luck its a pain, it would have taken me twice as long if brian didn't help me since he done it,
    keep track of the screws
     
    G scott04, Jun 1, 2011
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  14. Aug 6, 2016 at 10:38 PM
    #14
    Area51Runner

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    Area51Runner Well-Known Member

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    In the process of doing this to replace HVAC Control bulbs with LEDs since one of them burnt out - it appears step# 4 requires removal of the cigarette lighter piece to gain access to 2 screws holding the bottom of the center dash molding.

    Posting this only as a warning to others that there are a couple of hidden screws.     Also, reference:

    http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old/index.php?article=77
     
    Area51Runner, Aug 6, 2016
    #14
  15. Aug 7, 2016 at 12:39 PM
    #15
    TooMuchToDo

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    TooMuchToDo Well-Known Member

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    ...we'll get there.
    https://youtu.be/KO_jhfGIVVI

    There's a good link that gets you to the drivers side. Center console all comes out for that. I used this video when I redid dash and climate control bulbs. Very helpful.

    I ended up pushing in the vents on the driver's side from below...but I have tiny wrists. It was still difficult.
     
    TooMuchToDo, Aug 7, 2016
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    POOPIE and Area51Runner like this.
  16. Aug 7, 2016 at 10:53 PM
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    Area51Runner

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    Area51Runner Well-Known Member

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    Definitely helped thanks for posting the vid leak.

    I ended up replacing my climate control bulbs with LEDs and also did the Instrument cluster. Ordered bulbs off Amazon and for the most part, I'm happy with it. I want to swap out the Climate Control cover with the 02 4Runner one (white). Here's a couple of pictures. Used the following bulbs for the cluster:
    $9 Partsam T10 LED Light Bulbs 5X White 161 168 194 Wedge Base Lights 5-5050-SMD for Cab Roof Running Marker Light LED Backup License Plate Parking Turn Signal Light
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WGZP4PS/ and for the climate control knobs https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVXTSEK

    IMG_20160807_193934.jpg
    IMG_20160807_193948.jpg
     
    Area51Runner, Aug 7, 2016
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    chad2121 and Sicyota04 like this.
  17. Aug 8, 2016 at 8:22 AM
    #17
    TooMuchToDo

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    TooMuchToDo Well-Known Member

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    ...we'll get there.
    I was going to get those LEDs for my climate control, but I've kept all my bulbs stock, which meant going OEM. ...I don't think i've ever paid so much for 2 tiny light bulbs. Next time (hopefully never) it'll be LEDS. Glad to hear those that you linked work...I'll keep them in my Amazon tacoma wishlist.
     
    TooMuchToDo, Aug 8, 2016
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  18. Jan 6, 2017 at 10:35 AM
    #18
    Crunchy Beef Taco

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    Crunchy Beef Taco Member

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    Does anybody have a spare climate control face plate and knobs without the orange die??
    Or
    Where can I find one?
    It looks better clear, so I can put cool blue bulbs behind it.
     
    Crunchy Beef Taco, Jan 6, 2017
    #18
  19. Jan 6, 2017 at 11:58 AM
    #19
    Sicyota04

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    Sicyota04 Slowly but surely.

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    They are hard to find these days. I've seen them on E bay for a lot of money! I got mine from LKQ which is a parts recycler and has locations all over the country. I paid $40 for mine. Good luck!
     
    Sicyota04, Jan 6, 2017
    #19
  20. Jan 6, 2017 at 2:43 PM
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    chad2121

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    chad2121 Member

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    are those the exact bulbs you used?
     
    chad2121, Jan 6, 2017
    #20

Products Discussed in

Partsam T10 LED Light Bulbs 5X White 161 168 194 Wedge Base Lights 5-5050-SMD for Cab Roof Running Marker Light LED Backup License Plate Parking Turn Signal Light
$8.49
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