How to remove the center console on your 3rd Gen Taco

Removing the center console is tedious work but the result of getting your @MESO lower switch plate installed is rewarding in itself. I'm here to document my experiences of this installation including the seat heaters installation as well.

Meso Lower switch panel


This the recommended method of installing the switch panel which I'm not planning to follow "unless I'm unsuccessful in removing all the bits"


I've done lots of research for the best way possible to install the switch panel without any cutting. I'm in the process of installing my seat heaters and control switches, so found this YouTube video that's pretty concise, so I decided to remove all the bits that will facilitate removal of the piece above.

I'll be adding more pics as I move along with my install. Here's the video that inspired me to go down this road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDH_rI72GEs

 

Removing the various dash/center console pieces:

Removed the center console first

Next side panels

Glovebox

Upper center console

Now comes the hard part cutting the existing switch panel.
First I transferred all the switches to the @MESO switch panel

 

Used an ultrasonic cutter to remove the old switch frame, I opted to cut from the rear following the existing switch plate line

Switches installed on the new @MESO switch frame and placed on the upper center console for mocking only, next gluing it down.

 

Grinding off burs

Gluing the new switch plate

Gluing complete, I like the way the final product turned out

 

While I had all the dash panels removed this was my oportunity to install my new start - stop ignition button. The red button is automatically illuminated upon entry into the vehicle. This was a very brilliant mod.

I also installed and finalized the tailgate pop-n-lock harness by @KTJO 4x4 this made the connections to the OEM harness painless



Lastly I snapped all the panel back in their respective location without any issues.

I also installed my seat heaters, switches and associated wiring with relays, etc.

More to come soon.

 

subd for no reason other than I am addicted to wasting money

 

@destin_meeks did a good write up here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...stom-lower-switch-panel.539029/#post-17386355

 

Sorry in advance for the noob question. I am about to try an install my first additional switch for LED bed light. I purchased a Ch4x4 switch. In the stock panel there is room for three additional switches. Can someone direct me how to add a switch there? I cant imagine you need to take the thing apart. Do they just knock out? Thanks so much for the help/

 

Good job! I did not do that, I simply cut it out with the whole dash in place. I made sure no wires were in my way and went at it.

 

NICE OP! Where did you get the TRD button? Part number?

 

Oh gawd!

I am sure that doing the trimming on a bench will get a clean install, but screw that amount of disassembly. I did all that with out removing it:



The only parts that I removed for access were the head unit trim and HVAC panel.

 

@MESO any possibility of making more of these lower dash panels?

 

Hey can you explain how you did it without all the disassembly? I just need to add a switch so I’m not trying to take the console apart

 

I just did plunge cuts with a utility blade. I cut a smaller opening and widened it until the LSP fit.

If you have a switch blank in there, just pull the radio trim off. No fastener, just clips. The pull the HVAC panel off. To do that, you have to pull the right end of the adjoining steering trim panel as they are hooked together.

From there, you can reach in from behind and push out the blanks or switches.

 

I don't plan to take the interior apart (again), but did run into one problem when I was doing work on the truck.

I was going to remove the front passenger side seat to install a radio, but could not for the life of me figure out how to disconnect the air bag sensor from the seat. Maybe it's my airbag paranoia, but those yellow connectors seem different than the other ones.

Does anyone have any hints on how to do that without bunging up the connectors or screwing up the airbag system?

 

Thanks for the tips should make this a little easier

 

You're welcome!

 

bout a year late but if your getting into it again, push down the little white tab on the narrow section of the clip then pull the fat section off.