DIY: Interior LED swap (cluster, HVAC, switches, window, *steering wheel)

[97BlackAckCL]

Another option would be to get the smd bulbs, those spread the light out better

 

[emelianenkov]

Another option would be to get the smd bulbs, those spread the light out better

If they light properly lol

 

[00328]

Yeah, I realize the light comes out of the tip, but I would think some light is generated out of the 'body' too. Maybe not.
I may try a very small dot of paint that doesn't cover the whole tip area.
Have to play with it some I guess.

On a side note. How do the steering wheel audio controls come off? Do you just pop them off with a little bit of prying?

 

[emelianenkov]

Yeah, I realize the light comes out of the tip, but I would think some light is generated out of the 'body' too. Maybe not.
I may try a very small dot of paint that doesn't cover the whole tip area.
Have to play with it some I guess.

On a side note. How do the steering wheel audio controls come off? Do you just pop them off with a little bit of prying?

You have to pop off the covers on the side of the steering wheel (like the one that goes around the cruise control). Use a T30 to take the airbag out and then unscrew the module

 

[00328]

You have to pop off the covers on the side of the steering wheel (like the one that goes around the cruise control). Use a T30 to take the airbag out and then unscrew the module

Screwing with the airbag kinda concerns me a little. Is it safe to remove it?

 

[emelianenkov]

Screwing with the airbag kinda concerns me a little. Is it safe to remove it?

Yea. Technically it shouldn't go off unless the sensors on the bumpers are hit. Just keep your face and hands away from it at all times. I was super paranoid taking mine out.

Keep it plugged in and move it to the top of where it sits. It should rest on top of the steering wheel column just fine

 

[00328]

Thanks Alex, sounds good.

 

[emelianenkov]

No problem, good luck!

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Yeah, I realize the light comes out of the tip, but I would think some light is generated out of the 'body' too. Maybe not.
I may try a very small dot of paint that doesn't cover the whole tip area.
Have to play with it some I guess.

Definitely just have to play with it, another option would be to scuff the top of the led bulb with sand paper, that should dull the output down a bit

 

[97BlackAckCL]

If they light properly lol

Work great on my hvac :fish:

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Screwing with the airbag kinda concerns me a little. Is it safe to remove it?

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT mess with the airbag while it is powered and connected. You have to remove your battery and give the airbag a while for the charge to die out. 15 mins should be good, I'd do 30 just to be sure. Same goes for the curtain airbags, you can really mess yourself up if one of those goes off in your face/hands. Always unplug the battery before messing with the airbag, no excuses.

 

[emelianenkov]

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT mess with the airbag while it is powered and connected. You have to remove your battery and give the airbag a while for the charge to die out. 15 mins should be good, I'd do 30 just to be sure. Same goes for the curtain airbags, you can really mess yourself up if one of those goes off in your face/hands. Always unplug the battery before messing with the airbag, no excuses.

I've never had issues thank god lol

 

[darkie3495]

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT mess with the airbag while it is powered and connected. You have to remove your battery and give the airbag a while for the charge to die out. 15 mins should be good, I'd do 30 just to be sure. Same goes for the curtain airbags, you can really mess yourself up if one of those goes off in your face/hands. Always unplug the battery before messing with the airbag, no excuses.

I've never had issues thank god lol

I haven't either but as 97BlackAckCL stated, whenever doing electrical work disconnect the battery to ensure safe conditions.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

You shouldn't but it's extremely dangerous, and as someone who's been injured, bloodied, and permanently scarred from an airbag, I take no chances

 

[emelianenkov]

You shouldn't but it's extremely dangerous, and as someone who's been injured, bloodied, and permanently scarred from an airbag, I take no chances

Hmm. Next time I mess with it I'll take out the battery

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Just to give you an idea, you can set an airbag off with two AA batteries. That's how little power they need to go BOOM! So always disconnect the battery before performing electrical work, particularly near airbag systems. Luckily for you, the 4Runner is not like a Mercedes where the steering lock is electronic and you NEED to keep the car connected just to get the wheel turned to access the torx bolts securing the airbag when you replace a clock spring on them!

 

[emelianenkov]

Just to give you an idea, you can set an airbag off with two AA batteries. That's how little power they need to go BOOM! So always disconnect the battery before performing electrical work, particularly near airbag systems. Luckily for you, the 4Runner is not like a Mercedes where the steering lock is electronic and you NEED to keep the car connected just to get the wheel turned to access the torx bolts securing the airbag when you replace a clock spring on them!

Good to know! Luckily I have only taken it out 3 times, but I definitely will disconnect it if I have to mess with my steering wheel controls need some work.

 

[00328]

Yeah, will be sure to disconnect the battery if I decide to take off the audio controls.

You guys that have taken out the gauge cluster, is it necessary to remove the lower part of the dash first to remove the trim around the cluster?

 

[emelianenkov]

Yeah, will be sure to disconnect the battery if I decide to take off the audio controls.

You guys that have taken out the gauge cluster, is it necessary to remove the lower part of the dash first to remove the trim around the cluster?

Yes. Just take the two bolts at the bottom corners, pull it out (I grab the gap between the steering column and the panel). The ring around the ignition will pop off, it pops back on when you put the dash back together.

Then grab the bezel around the gauges and pull carefully. Try to rock it up and down to pop it out.

 

[00328]

Awesome. Alex, you're the best.