recently bought a 1999 T4R limited, and the only big issue i have right now is it's minus 30 out and i cant get heat out of the front ( auto-climate control). temp controller in the rear is however blowing nice and warm... i have looked a little bit into it as far as pulling the dash apart to have basically suspected that the flimsy 1/2 lbs. $1200.00 control unit is the culprit. i have also tried playing with all the buttons on the climate control unit, and find that there seems to be some kind of sequence to operating. some buttons don't always work when pushed, while some activate other control options. not exactly wanting to spend the money on a brand new unit, while going to a wrecker is a risk as well... from what i have heard / read, those auto climate controls are all kinda buggy. if anyone has encountered this same issue i would love to hear back... especially if you've got a solution!
I'm in the process of replacing mine. I had similar issues, some of the buttons weren't responsive, or would just occasionally work.
I found a replacement at Nexus Auto Salvage, in NY. So far it's been a huge pain to get it all straightened out. It was $400 or so, and they give you a $50 core credit if your return yours.
Unfortunately, the first one they sent me was "lost in the mail." The second one's buttons seem to work well, but the knobs for the fan speed / temperature are very flaky. Also, half of the lights don't work when I turn on my headlights. (The screen doesn't light up at all)
Needless to say, I've sent back my original, they're apparently going to repair the buttons, and send it back, so I can then tear my dash apart again, and send them the defective replacement they sent me.
Perhaps I've just had bad luck...? Anyway... point is... there are people out there that refurbish them. Good luck! ;o)
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1999 Toyota 4Runner LTD 4x4
K&N FIPK Intake
Flowmaster 50-Series SUV Exhaust