Center panel replacement only... I got part-way, need help on cig lighter/ashtray

[eric_rosenwald]

I've found plenty of how-to's on removing the center panel to replace the radio or something related to the console. I'm trying to replace the panel itself, and I'm having trouble removing the cigarette lighters and ashtray.

I was installing a RAM mount on the dashboard, and stupidly tried to glue to the included rubber end-caps... while it was on the dash. In fairness, the super glue they included with the mount was extremely thin - almost the same viscosity as water

I accidentally dripped glue on the center panel (cosmetic), and some dripped into the right-center AC vent. When it dried, the vent was locked up and wouldn't move L/R. I decided to replace both and bought the parts online.

This is the center panel part:
55412-35130
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...rument~cluster~finish~center~55412-35130.html

I can remove this panel just fine following radio-related tutorials, and I was able to disconnect the clock and the easy electronic plugs as you would expect. My main problem now is removing the cigarette lighter and ashtray.

I searched for answers, but it's kind of an unusual thing, so I'm not finding any resources that fully address a panel-only replacement like this.

Thanks!

 

[97t4r81]

The ashtray just pulls out, push the metal bar inside it. The cig lighter just has spade plugs you'll undo.

 

[Kanoe]

Are you actually trying to remove the cig plug from the old bezel to put it in the new one? If so they can be tricky.

I haven't had the 4runner apart in recent memory, but have done one on a matrix recently. Generally, you have to get the metal inside sleeve out first. Needs to rotate some degrees to clear the snap tabs holding it in and then you can push it out from the back. Once this is out, the plastic parts will come apart in the proper order which should be apparent.

If my memory fails, then ignore this advice.

 

[octanejunkie]

Are you actually trying to remove the cig plug from the old bezel to put it in the new one? If so they can be tricky.

I haven't had the 4runner apart in recent memory, but have done one on a matrix recently. Generally, you have to get the metal inside sleeve out first. Needs to rotate some degrees to clear the snap tabs holding it in and then you can push it out from the back. Once this is out, the plastic parts will come apart in the proper order which should be apparent.

If my memory fails, then ignore this advice.

[MENTION=102449]Kanoe[/MENTION] is right, it is a PITA to remove. I gave up the last time I tried. Lol

Also, not sure if that replacement console comes with the ashtray rails. If not, that needs to be unmounted and transferred over. Should just be 3 screws, IIRC

 

[4Runner4Leon]

I'm doing the same thing, replacing my '97 bezel with a '99 (BTW, I am planning to sell my pristine '97 bezel with the Limited wood look, if you are interested).

I took a couple of stabs at the receptacles, with no success so far. I will tackle it again this weekend.

From what I understand, it is quite tricky, and you start by removing the small nut on the back which holds the terminals, remove all the crap from the back, then go back to the front and look into the opening, and try to push in on one or more small black plastic tabs that protrude past the thing chrome ring. Then it's supposedly possible to unscrew one from the other, but I haven't done it yet so I am just guessing.

Let us know if you succeed, otherwise I'll post back if/when I figure out the steps in the next couple of days.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

Are you actually trying to remove the cig plug from the old bezel to put it in the new one? If so they can be tricky.

I haven't had the 4runner apart in recent memory, but have done one on a matrix recently. Generally, you have to get the metal inside sleeve out first. Needs to rotate some degrees to clear the snap tabs holding it in and then you can push it out from the back. Once this is out, the plastic parts will come apart in the proper order which should be apparent.

If my memory fails, then ignore this advice.

Yup – trying to remove for a clean install of the new panel/bezel

 

[TonyB66]

I'm doing the same thing, replacing my '97 bezel with a '99 (BTW, I am planning to sell my pristine '97 bezel with the Limited wood look, if you are interested).

I took a couple of stabs at the receptacles, with no success so far. I will tackle it again this weekend.

From what I understand, it is quite tricky, and you start by removing the small nut on the back which holds the terminals, remove all the crap from the back, then go back to the front and look into the opening, and try to push in on one or more small black plastic tabs that protrude past the thing chrome ring. Then it's supposedly possible to unscrew one from the other, but I haven't done it yet so I am just guessing.

Let us know if you succeed, otherwise I'll post back if/when I figure out the steps in the next couple of days.

May I ask if you are buying new from a dealership, or sourcing from elsewhere, like a salvage yard?

My recent f-up yesterday:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...build-thread-2000-limited-16.html#post2869067

Looks like about 130 to 150 dollars...

 

[4Runner4Leon]

May I ask if you are buying new from a dealership, or sourcing from elsewhere, like a salvage yard?

My recent f-up yesterday:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...build-thread-2000-limited-16.html#post2869067

Looks like about 130 to 150 dollars...

Oh, bummer Tony, that sucks. I got my '99 from a junkyard, it's in great shape once I got the wood peeled off:



I paid $18 for it, it would have been closer to $8 if I didn't include the vents and the power outlets.

OTOH, I had to go to three yards and comb through several vehicles before I could find one that was intact with no broken chunks or tabs. Add up the gas, junkyard entry fees, time invested, and $130 brand new may not be a bad deal.

 

[TonyB66]

Leon, thank you. Your logic resonates. I was leaning that direction...

Nice score for you! The "wood" grain on mine is much different than yours. If I do indeed order one, I hope it matches well with what I have...

Thanks again.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

Leon, thank you. Your logic resonates. I was leaning that direction...

Nice score for you! The "wood" grain on mine is much different than yours. If I do indeed order one, I hope it matches well with what I have...

Thanks again.

Hey Tony, yeah, I was told that the wood on the one I got at the junkyard (which was real wood, not fake), was a dealer installed option. The normal Limited bezels came with plastic wood look, which is what my '97 has and what I think yours has as well. So I suspect that a Toyota replacement part would match it well. Good luck with it!

 

[octanejunkie]

Hey Tony, yeah, I was told that the wood on the one I got at the junkyard (which was real wood, not fake), was a dealer installed option. The normal Limited bezels came with plastic wood look, which is what my '97 has and what I think yours has as well. So I suspect that a Toyota replacement part would match it well. Good luck with it!

Call Camelback and ask

 

[eric_rosenwald]

May I ask if you are buying new from a dealership, or sourcing from elsewhere, like a salvage yard?

My recent f-up yesterday:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...build-thread-2000-limited-16.html#post2869067

Looks like about 130 to 150 dollars...

got it new from a dealership. just the plastic - none of the other stuff. i got this far (I;ll post pics). i'm currently trying to remove everything from the old panel. it's taking a while to figure out how to pull out the cigarette lighters. I got one, now I'm going for the pair of additional outlets

 

[TonyB66]

got it new from a dealership. just the plastic - none of the other stuff. i got this far (I;ll post pics). i'm currently trying to remove everything from the old panel. it's taking a while to figure out how to pull out the cigarette lighters. I got one, now I'm going for the pair of additional outlets

To be clear, you got or bought the piece without all of the moving parts, buttons, vents?

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[octanejunkie]

To be clear, you got or bought the piece without all of the moving parts, buttons, vents?

Thanks for the clarification.

That's they way they come from the dealer, sans parts, just the piece

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[TonyB66]

That's they way they come from the dealer, sans parts, just the piece

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Damn that's expensive then... I have the parts of course. Thanks.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

This is where I'm stuck. getting the two lighters out. I get the basic idea on how these work (I got the third one out)... but just can't do it!

I'm doing the same thing, replacing my '97 bezel with a '99 (BTW, I am planning to sell my pristine '97 bezel with the Limited wood look, if you are interested).

I took a couple of stabs at the receptacles, with no success so far. I will tackle it again this weekend.

From what I understand, it is quite tricky, and you start by removing the small nut on the back which holds the terminals, remove all the crap from the back, then go back to the front and look into the opening, and try to push in on one or more small black plastic tabs that protrude past the thing chrome ring. Then it's supposedly possible to unscrew one from the other, but I haven't done it yet so I am just guessing.

Let us know if you succeed, otherwise I'll post back if/when I figure out the steps in the next couple of days.

 

[eric_rosenwald]

To be clear, you got or bought the piece without all of the moving parts, buttons, vents?

Thanks for the clarification.

yup - without any parts. just the plastic shell - not even any clips. it's actually going well -- i'm just stuck on this one thing. the cig lighter cables and even ashtray light just pull straight out

 

[octanejunkie]

I believe if you take the center nut off the innards and insulation come out the front and you can get to the tabs that hold the shell into the panel

Just keep track of the order of the pieces as you remove them

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[4Runner4Leon]

This is where I'm stuck. getting the two lighters out. I get the basic idea on how these work (I got the third one out)... but just can't do it!

Take off the small nuts on the back and then the lugs, otherwise the plastic tube won't slip from the metal tube.

 

[gamefreakgc]

May I ask if you are buying new from a dealership, or sourcing from elsewhere, like a salvage yard?

My recent f-up yesterday:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...build-thread-2000-limited-16.html#post2869067

Looks like about 130 to 150 dollars...

Someone should have told you that the wood grain trims are very brittle and break easy .

If you buy a used one, make sure it's the wood grain on black plastic, not brown. The black plastic is the same as the normal base/SR5 trim and does not crack. The brown plastic, which is what you've got, gets VERY brittle over time and any used one will break on you as well.

I used to sell used 4Runner parts and I rarely could get a wood grain center console off without breaking a tab or two.