I literally had the same thoughts after seeing this, LOL.

It's been a while since I had to pull an HVAC out of a 4Runner, are those bars not bolted to the main bar like most of the other Toyotas? Usually you can get the long sections off and twist the bar up and pull it towards the driver's side to pull the box out the passenger end.

Nope. Welded. Go figure...

Oh, before I forget. Dont forget to put the black ducting (on top of white box) on BEFORE putting the bar back in. We almost got all the wiring harness back on before we realized....lost an hour for that

OOPS!, maybe too much beer by that time contributed to the CRS!!!

I've seen pictures of this job before and it's one my car needs but there is ZERO chance I'm doing it. I lose bolts and break stuff taking apart my dash for head unit and light replacement.

Bravo sir.

Not to sidetrack your thread too much, but quick question for you people that are experienced with the AC issues:
I just tried using my AC for I think the first time since purchasing it last fall, and the AC light just blinked at me and didn't produce any cool air. I read that it may just be a $27 relay I need to replace, is this generally what my symptoms mean? Or what might the signs be that I would have to replace all this expensive mess?

I think maybe you can swap your horn relay to see if it fixes it. If it is, then you can buy the new relay

Check the FSM.

Blinking of A/C indicator - Compressor lock sensor circuit - AC-42

This sensor sends 4 pulses par engine revolution to the A/C amplifier. If the ratio of the compressor speed divided by the engine speed is smaller than a predetermined value, the A/C amplifier turns the compressor off, and the indicator flashes at about 1 sec. intervals.

DTC No. 22

Detection Item
All conditions below are detected for 3 sec. or more.
(a) Engine speed: 450 rpm or more.
(b) Ratio between engine and compressor speed deviates 20 % or more in comparison with normal operation.

Trouble Area
Cooler compressor assembly
• Compressor drive belt
• Compressor lock sensor
• Harness or connector between compressor locksensor and A/C amplifier
• A/C amplifier

How does one pull the codes for the A/C system when the light is blinking? Is it through Techstream or by some other means?

Is that something I can look at with it in the dash? I took a quick look, and nothing was overly apparent. Thanks

Replacing Re-circulation Actuator

Once you get the actuator off you can stick a mirror in there and look at the door and actuator and see if you just got lucky and popped it out of it's track or if you broke it (if it's broken, it's a bit more complicated to fix).

Does this mean the compressor is locked up and not spinning (broken inside?)

low gas could also cause the blinking light. throw some guages on the hi and loside ac ports, i bet they are very low. that also implies that you have a leak in the system

You're the man! I popped it off its track. It was a PITA, but I got it back on with a butter knife. Thanks again