AC Button issue

[4R99JB]

First; this is probably the best forum I've ever been on...

I searched but found only AC problems! '99 SR5 2WD

My problem is just the AC button; I just purchased the vehicle and while everything works, the button is held in place with tape covering the face, and yes it still works / lights up. As I am Leary of "inspecting" it yet.... I was wondering if anyone knows if I most likely need a new button or switch housing? Either way where is a good source for these parts? Without an answer I fear that the dealership may be the only source...if that.

Thanks for any help. :snacker:

 

[Manchacan]

I know why it's taped. I have the same problem on mine and in fact, is the reason I joined this group. The button clips onto the internal switch and the clips on my button broke so the only way to turn the AC on and off is to fumble with the button. I need to tape mine in place so I don't have to look for it every time I want to turn it off/on. Unfortunately, you cant just stick your finger in the hole to push the switch, it needs the button. It's annoying. My thought was to go to a junk yard, but was hoping someone here had another solution before I went on my search.

 

[ameining]

Mine busted while I was wheeling too, the local scrap yards are telling me I need to buy the entire fascia if I want that stupid button. I would LOVE to find a place that sells this part!!!

 

[DirtDawg]

I have a spare one....

 

[srandel]

oh, sh*# I think I broke it

This is an old thread, but I wanted to add that I had this problem too. For the last 3-4 years I just kept the button in the ash tray and fumbled with it to turn the ac on and off occasionally. Well I went to use it this spring and the button was no where to be found in the car. so I tried using a ball point pen to turn ac on and off. It worked twice and then I couldn't turn it off. I must have broken something inside there. so now my ac is stuck on and im so mad. I've looked into that tiny hole and just cant see how to disengage. so.....people, don't lose the button!

 

[TheDurk]

This is an old thread, but I wanted to add that I had this problem too. For the last 3-4 years I just kept the button in the ash tray and fumbled with it to turn the ac on and off occasionally. Well I went to use it this spring and the button was no where to be found in the car. so I tried using a ball point pen to turn ac on and off. It worked twice and then I couldn't turn it off. I must have broken something inside there. so now my ac is stuck on and im so mad. I've looked into that tiny hole and just cant see how to disengage. so.....people, don't lose the button!

Do you have the manual or the digital control? Here is the manual, $25 on-line:

84660-35030 - Genuine Toyota SWITCH, COOLER

...not the end of the world for someone with your skills.

 

[hockeyman]

The piece that broke or became dislodged is a small wire spring. While changing out my bulbs to blue LEDs, mine fell out. Miraculously, I found it and was able to reinstall it. It kinda looks like a pen spring sized clothes pin spring. I doubt that you will find just the spring. Here is a button assembly for $15 on eBay

Toyota 4Runner Truck Pickup Dash A C AC Air Button Control 158086 Switch | eBay

 

[TheDurk]

The piece that broke or became dislodged is a small wire spring. While changing out my bulbs to blue LEDs, mine fell out. Miraculously, I found it and was able to reinstall it. It kinda looks like a pen spring sized clothes pin spring. I doubt that you will find just the spring. Here is a button assembly for $15 on eBay

Toyota 4Runner Truck Pickup Dash A C AC Air Button Control 158086 Switch | eBay

I don't believe that is compatible with 3G 4Runners.

 

[sage2050]

This is an old thread, but I wanted to add that I had this problem too. For the last 3-4 years I just kept the button in the ash tray and fumbled with it to turn the ac on and off occasionally. Well I went to use it this spring and the button was no where to be found in the car. so I tried using a ball point pen to turn ac on and off. It worked twice and then I couldn't turn it off. I must have broken something inside there. so now my ac is stuck on and im so mad. I've looked into that tiny hole and just cant see how to disengage. so.....people, don't lose the button!

I created an account for this very issue and your post is almost verbatim to what I was going to say, down to keeping the button in the ashtray. I would really like to turn my AC off!

 

[Sparker1105]

First of all et me start with the fact that it was a total accident how I found an easy fix for this. My sons 4 runner had this problem . I went to try to get any broken pieces out from the hole with the putty like stuff that you hang stuff on the wall with. It stretches To odd shapes and is sticky but doesn't break unless you pull real hard and stretch it Til it breaks. So I pushed it in there trying to see if I could turn the stupid thing off and get any broken pieces out , low and behold the whole switch unplugged and came out. Ordered a new one on line just now with shipping for $35 and will just push it in the hole to plug it in!!! Voila! It takes a mom!!

 

[Nicholas47]

Mine just popped off one day. I placed it back in, turned the a/c on, and lost the button.

One day I may bother to fix it.

 

[jasonp99]

Jeez, amazing how often this happens! My button fell out of the switch a week back so now I keep it in the ash try, ugh! Found this one online for $9.99 (Toyota wanted $50 for it!!!):

https://www.amazon.com/XtremeAmazing-System-4Runner-2911017-SW-1017C/dp/B015OECK5O/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

A guy said in the comments that it fit his '99 4Runner so I should be good to go. Does this require removing the cover plate surrounding the dash controls? Or just taking the new button from the new switch and inserting into the old switch?

 

[IBallEngineer]

Jeez, amazing how often this happens! My button fell out of the switch a week back so now I keep it in the ash try, ugh! Found this one online for $9.99 (Toyota wanted $50 for it!!!):

https://www.amazon.com/XtremeAmazing-System-4Runner-2911017-SW-1017C/dp/B015OECK5O/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

A guy said in the comments that it fit his '99 4Runner so I should be good to go. Does this require removing the cover plate surrounding the dash controls? Or just taking the new button from the new switch and inserting into the old switch?

Unfortunately yes it does require removing the center cluster bezel. But it is just clipped in place. Use a plastic pry tool or spatula to create enough gap for your fingers then pull it out. Eazy Peazy!