Dirt Behind Instrument Cluster

Hey guys. I have a 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro and I noticed when cleaning the interior this past weekend I am getting dust/dirt in behind the clear plastic lens of my instrument cluster. It looks like it is getting in around the trip odometer/brightness dial. Anyone have any ideas how to clean this? I am still under factory warranty do you think this is something Toyota would cover seeing these trucks are meant to go off-road and play in the dust/dirt? I would think Toyota would have a better seal around this dial for this reason alone. Thanks!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ched-up-instrument-cluster-plexiglass.503376/

If it bothers you enough. This post goes into replacing it, you can follow the instructions for removing it to clean though.

Toyota likely will not cover that in warranty.

 

like this? Me too. I live with it.

 

When you get it clean... Install an O ring over trip meter/brightness stalk helps seal out dirt.

 

Had anyone tried ceramic coating the gauge cluster plastic?

 

Screen Protector | Screen ProTech Automotive Screen Protection

I've been very happy with this stuff.

 

I did the O ring the first few days after I bought the truck because I have seen this before with other vehicles I have owned, I also use an old baby diaper to clean it. I use Chemical Guys Hydro spray. Just a drop or two and spread it on and wife it off in @30 seconds. Crystal clear all the time!

 

Does anyone recommend a specific O-ring to use that prevents dust getting in around the odo opening?

 

I wish my wife would do that...........

 

2nd looking for the o-ring fitment please!

 

I will repeat the above: ANyone know what size O-ring would be a good fit for this application?

 

Its not a space shuttle. Find one a little smaller than the stalk and you will be safe to launch.

 

You are going to think I am joking, but I am not. I leave the front side of my instrument cluster dirty so the backside dirt does not bother me. I will clean the front side only when the cluster is hard to read (which is rarely).

 

I had the same issue with my last Taco. I finally traded it in for another Taco, not because of the dirt, but high mileage. I thought of placing an O ring around the odometer stem, but I doubt it will work. The odometer stem is positioned at an angle to the bezel and the O ring will not sit intact on the bezel to wrap around the stem. Any idea to close that tiny opening to stop the dusts getting inside the bezel would br appreciated.

 

So I read this thread months ago and remembered the O ring idea. Went to Home Depot, got a couple sizes. They fit but do nothing because of the angle as you mention. I am looking for a solution. Need one soon! Just got the truck.

 

I totally fucked up the install. Tons of huge bubbles … tore it out .. was stuck on there pretty good. Afraid to try again lol.

 

PROBLEM SOLVED!! This is totally unorthodox but it WORKS. I took a spare Apple AirPods PRO ear fitment (which you can buy on eBay under $2), cut it in a couple spots including to accommodate for glass angle, wrapped it over the stem, and it works brilliantly and perfectly and also allows you to still use the odometer stem without it moving out of place. Am I a genius or a weirdo folks? You decide.

 

That’s great but looks terrible. What’s worse dirt behind the plastic or looking at that?

 

Eh, I prefer my method where I can remove that thing anytime instead of dust permanently behind the cluster. It’s small.

Typical take a dump on an idea TW response lol. I’m super happy with it.

 

Lol. One more thing I’ll say is that this forum is meant to foster new ideas and innovation. One idea can lead to another. A simple tweak to this is to find a black silicone ear fitment that blends better.