How to get to the ECT/BSM/Parking/ buttons

Ok, so I searched on how to get to these buttons and found some people just taking the stereo out and reaching all the way down to push the buttons out. I don't have skinny girl arms so that doesn't work for me. Years of installing car stereos and taking dash boards apart got my curiosity going and I got bored and finally figured out an easier way to get to the buttons.

First off, the bezel around the stereo just pulls off. (I'm sure most everyone knows this)
https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachm...4/?temp_hash=879c1825fe84560c39fedda8d10ca71e

Then you undo the 4 10mm bolts holding the stereo in.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachm...6/?temp_hash=879c1825fe84560c39fedda8d10ca71e

Now you gently pull the right side of the cover under the steering wheel. If you pull gently by the mic, it comes right out. Clips are all that hold that thing on.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachm...7/?temp_hash=879c1825fe84560c39fedda8d10ca71e

Next, gently pull on the climate controls. I started on the right side and worked my way toward the drivers side.
Once you get it out, there are 3 connectors for the climate control. ( At least there were 3 for my model which is the OR)
https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachm...9/?temp_hash=879c1825fe84560c39fedda8d10ca71e
https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachm...4/?temp_hash=879c1825fe84560c39fedda8d10ca71e


And bam! Its super easy to reach behind the buttons to push them out. The actual bezel that they are mounted it is part of the dash board and after looking at it, it looks like kind of a PITA to take off. This beats trying to reach into your dash, elbows deep trying to push out switches any day and it only requires removing 4 bolts.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachm...5/?temp_hash=879c1825fe84560c39fedda8d10ca71e



If this was common knowledge, I apologize. I searched everywhere for a 'how to' to get to those damn switches without reaching all the way in from the stereo. If this has already been posted, go ahead and delete this post.

 

Helpful-
I want to see if we can install the red TRD start button, now I know how to get it out

 

THANKS for the write up & pictures!

 

No sweat. I'm still working on the pics and write up for power to the back of the bed but mother nature has been relentless with rain and snow this year and I'm in the middle of buying another house, so I will be moving in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully I will get that write up done soon.

 

Two notes based on experience and research...

#1: I found it easier to remove the climate control panel on my P&T equipped truck if I loosened the top radio bolts and removed the bottom radio bolts so the radio can shift out of the way

#2: It looks like removing the switch panel itself requires removing the glove box, the passenger knee airbag assembly under the glove box, and a couple other bits. Pretty involved as you surmise.

 

I'm thinking about relocating the USB input to the glovebox and either hiding the qi charger in the dash or extending, finding a creative spot for it- as I'll never use it

 

why don't you just unplug it and replace the button with one you will use?

 

A considered option
I've got a weird thing about removing features

 

Do you have to take all the steps in order to remove the mic.? I need to relocate that mic so people hear me on bluetooth.

 

@Esto No, the mic is in the overhead console.

Where were you thinking to relocate it to?

 

The part by the push start button yall are calling a "mic" is not s mic. Thats an air temp sensor for auto climate control likely. I say that because other cars ive worked on put the air cabin temp sensor in that exact spot so im only assuming here.

 

Correct. That is the climate control sensor location.

 

Thanks xxmagpulxx for the detailed write up. I followed these instructions to install the red TRD push button start.

 

Thank you. Very much appreciated.

 

Thank you for the write p for sure! You say pull the bezel off, but is there a more advantageous way to go about doing it, i.e. which side to start or where the clips may be hiding?

 

Clips are scattered across it. Doesn't really matter where you start, though I'd imagine most folks start on the passenger side simply due to having a bit more to grab onto at that end.