Clock light in 03 sport

[Cox]

I have an 03 sport and the left half of the clock light is out. I asked Toyota about it but they said I would have to get a new clock for $1000. So today I am having an all in 1 head unit put in and when the installer took the clock part off he said it looked like I could just replace a bulb. Has anyone experienced this? Is it a bulb that can be replaced and if so where can I get it or is Toyota correct in that I would have to buy the whole clock?

Thank u in advance!

 

[ryangab]

WHOA! I have replaced those light before. It is only one screw under the little cubbie drawer thingy the a little pull. The whole unit comes out and you can access the bulbs REALLY easy!!! I thnk i cost be $10 but thats because I bought a few extra lights. I think they are $3 each. I'm not sure off hand the item # but just do a quick search on the site and you'll find em. DONT PAY $1000!!!!

 

[Desert Fox]

If that is actually just a $3 bulb and not a $1000 clock, you need to file a complaint with the BBB!!!!!!
Charging that much for the clock is robbery but telling you that you need to replace the clock when is only a light bulb is unacceptable. We have to stand up to these dealers and warn other concumers.

It is that kind of action that caused me to learn auto mechanics. I do not trust any of the dealers and most repair shops.

I have an 03 sport and the left half of the clock light is out. I asked Toyota about it but they said I would have to get a new clock for $1000. So today I am having an all in 1 head unit put in and when the installer took the clock part off he said it looked like I could just replace a bulb. Has anyone experienced this? Is it a bulb that can be replaced and if so where can I get it or is Toyota correct in that I would have to buy the whole clock?

Thank u in advance!

 

[A/V1]

If that is actually just a $3 bulb and not a $1000 clock, you need to file a complaint with the BBB!!!!!!
Charging that much for the clock is robbery but telling you that you need to replace the clock when is only a light bulb is unacceptable. We have to stand up to these dealers and warn other concumers.

It is that kind of action that caused me to learn auto mechanics. I do not trust any of the dealers and most repair shops.

Exactly. You can just replace the bulbs. The A/C controls are actually pretty close to $1000, but don't need to be replaced for just a bad bulb. report them.

At the very least, I wouldn't go back to that dealership.

 

[Presta24]

i did it myself as well. I had some ac knob lights out too so I think I spent like $20 on bulbs and bout 30 min of my time. The steeler wanted like $200 to replace em. Here, this will help....
How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

scroll down a lil and u will get to the part where he takes the clock out. Its very simple.

 

[progress4m]

Yes, you can replace just bulbs, but in my case bulbs were fine they just lost contact: 10 minutes job and light was back on.

 

[peroxide]

Please tell us who the dealer is, so no one on this forum gets ripped off by them.

 

[Uneek]

The dealer doesn't always know what they're working on. There are probably a good number of members here who are more knowledgeable than the tech and they don't work on Toyotas for a living.

A member here, took his 4Runner in and had the entire part replaced for the same issue under extended warranty. Either the dealer is trying to rip everyone off including Toyota for warranty or they just plain don't know any better. I'm inclined to say it's the latter, because I had a service writer argue with me over performing a TSB and how they would eat the cost when Toyota inspects the allegedly failed part claimed under warranty.

Either way, check here first. Most likely you'll find someone who knows and you'll be the one schooling the dealer.

 

[RickC]

It's literally a 5 minute fix.

90010-09015 is the part number for the 4th gen's a/c climate control back lighting

You simply remove the little storage bin thingy (<--technical term), then there is one screw you remove and the display will come out. Then just replace the bulb. If you search this forum, you will find lots of references to it.

Here is a link which shows how to do it.

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=654&highlight=control+light

 

[Trevloc]

they sell the bulbs 2 for 1.99 at radioshack.

 

[RickC]

Here ye go. Here is the complete process with part numbers and pics.

Replacing Center Console Lights - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

 

[RickC]

It is my understanding that the Radio Shack bulbs are not quite as bright. I just went with factory Toyota. If you don't have a local dealer that is close, you can order them from toyotapartsbin.com or your favorite online dealer.

 

[Trevloc]

ive been told the ones from radioshack are not bright enough, but the ones i got from them are a perfect match to stock. maybe i got lucky.

or i could be delusional from this horrible az heat. :cheers:

 

[RickC]

Yeah, I never actually tried the Radio Shack ones, since others had mentioned that. I just figured for no more difference, I would just stick with the Toyota ones. They probably work just fine. Especially if you changed them all, I wouldn't think one would notice anything.