How to remove knockout plugs for dash lights

[cheeser]

I am getting ready to install my light bar this weekend and wanted to know how to remove the plugs without pulling the dash apart. I have read a number of other threads, but didn't see anything just on the plugs.

It looks like I need to release the little tabs somehow, but it doesn't look like there is enough room to insert anything along the edges. I do have the plastic trim removal tools, but they appear to be too thick.

 

[MTN4RNR]

I am getting ready to install my light bar this weekend and wanted to know how to remove the plugs without pulling the dash apart. I have read a number of other threads, but didn't see anything just on the plugs.

It looks like I need to release the little tabs somehow, but it doesn't look like there is enough room to insert anything along the edges. I do have the plastic trim removal tools, but they appear to be too thick.

Reach up from under the dash, fumble around, cut your hand, swear a bit until you find the back of the blank you want to take out (a little tap will show you which one you have a hold of), then depress the tabs (top and bottom) while giving a bit of a wiggle and push outwards until it pops out. A rough description, but it's pretty straight forward without much challenge :bravo:

 

[bjohnston115]

Yeah the easiest way to do it is to push it out from behind. If you cant get your hand in then you should remove the panel to push it out. I know you do not want to take the dash apart to remove the blank but you may need to remove some things to run the wire to the hole anyway. It may be easier to do it "right" from the start.

Alternatively... If you don't mind damaging the blank... Drill a small hole in it, put a screw in the hole then pull it out by the screw.

 

[cheeser]

Thanks all...seems simple enough. Will give that a try as it may save me a bit of time. If not, will have to pull off the lower part then.

 

[Jhalko]

Thanks all...seems simple enough. Will give that a try as it may save me a bit of time. If not, will have to pull off the lower part then.

When I initially put a switch in the blank I did not fully remove the panel. I popped the top part out with my panel tool and it took 30 seconds, with that method you get easy access to the switch without removing the lower stuff.

 

[Erimol]

speaking of switch install, can someone give me a heads up on wiring up an ARB light switch in that spot. specifically which wires to positap into that are powered on with the dash lights so the switch itself lights up appropriately?

 

[Sleeter]

speaking of switch install, can someone give me a heads up on wiring up an ARB light switch in that spot. specifically which wires to positap into that are powered on with the dash lights so the switch itself lights up appropriately?

Do yourself a favor and get a meter, learn how to use it and test the wires so you know which wires are what. Start with the green wire and go from there.

 

[cheeser]

speaking of switch install, can someone give me a heads up on wiring up an ARB light switch in that spot. specifically which wires to positap into that are powered on with the dash lights so the switch itself lights up appropriately?

I have been following this thread that provides details. As [MENTION=137555]Sleeter[/MENTION] noted, get a meter to test and verify.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/215649-grill-mounted-light-bar-3.html

 

[Cymon]

I have been following this thread that provides details. As [MENTION=137555]Sleeter[/MENTION] noted, get a meter to test and verify.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/215649-grill-mounted-light-bar-3.html

Did mine today...as seen by my hand, [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] wasn't lying!

AOB Blue -> OEM Green

AOB Black -> OEM Gray

 

[Cymon]

This is what I got with just those...I tapped into the wiper de-over wiring. It dims and come on with aux lighting. I also did pry open part of the knee air bag piece to get more access to the switches. Followed this info to get to switches...http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/192198-switch-not-switch.html

 

[Cymon]

Now I just need an led light bar to put on my brackets
:dancin:

 

[Cymon]

speaking of switch install, can someone give me a heads up on wiring up an ARB light switch in that spot. specifically which wires to positap into that are powered on with the dash lights so the switch itself lights up appropriately?

see info posted above

 

[Erimol]

A) I have a meter
B) I know how to use it
C) I was looking for a heads up so I didn't have to start from scratch under there
D) thanks to those of you that took 30 seconds to offer constructive advice

this forum is incredibly helpful, and I truly appreciate all of those that did the work before and are happy to help those of us following in your footsteps; however, when you go out of your way to essentially not help, it is frustrating.

 

[Antman]

You guys are silly.

Put your hand in the hole surrounding the steering column (left side) and behind the top of that lower panel. Pull. Panel pops out far enough to get to everything. The panel above that literally pulls right off... No cut hands. Easy.:wow:

 

[cheeser]

This is what I got with just those...I tapped into the wiper de-over wiring. It dims and come on with aux lighting. I also did pry open part of the knee air bag piece to get more access to the switches. Followed this info to get to switches.

What hot source did you tap into for the switch? I was thinking originally to connect to the high beams as a trigger, but decided to tap into a switched source instead so I can turn them on whenever I want. Looking at a "tap a circuit" source in the fuse box for P/OUTLET.

 

[Diver Deuce]

Did mine today...as seen by my hand, [MENTION=129593]MTN4RNR[/MENTION] wasn't lying!

AOB Blue -> OEM Green

AOB Black -> OEM Gray

I installed a back up can on my wife's Subaru Outback... walked away with a couple of cuts like that.

 

[Jhalko]

You guys are silly.

Put your hand in the hole surrounding the steering column (left side) and behind the top of that lower panel. Pull. Panel pops out far enough to get to everything. The panel above that literally pulls right off... No cut hands. Easy.:wow:

So... just like I said a few posts above you?

:humble:

 

[Cymon]

So... just like I said a few posts above you?

:humble:

Lol... I wish I would have seen your post or [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] about 12 hours earlier. I guess self mutilation is as good a way to learn as any.

 

[Cymon]

What hot source did you tap into for the switch? I was thinking originally to connect to the high beams as a trigger, but decided to tap into a switched source instead so I can turn them on whenever I want. Looking at a "tap a circuit" source in the fuse box for P/OUTLET.

I'm likely just going to use a direct relay harness from the light...like this one. Power will come from the relay switch (connected to the battery).

Amazon.com: OPT7 Offroad Light Bar wiring Harness Kit (4 Items), 380W - Single Connector: Automotive

And then follow this... [MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION] gives a great explanation.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/178040-opt7-leds.html

And this
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/211802-wiring-lightbar-independent-harness-aob-switch.html

 

[Deuskid]

I'm going to need access IF my promised T4R ever gets here. I've never ordered an auto before and this waiting is not fun.

Anyway, I have the brackets for the grill bar lights sitting on my workbench taunting me about not being installed each time I walk by.