ToyTec Lifts
New member
One of the 4Runners here had some lights out in the HVAC controls. We thought we would document the replacement in case anyone needed the info. This was done on a 2000 4Runner. Other years should be similar. I do know that there are screws that hold the main trim on for the 96-98's
There are 2 bulbs behind the Heater/ac control unit, many times one of the 2 will be out causing one side to be dim, the bulbs twist out of the back and are about impossible to change that way unless you have all day to spend!
So DON’T go there, yes there is an easy way to change them, even if you are not mechanically inclined, you don’t even need any tools!
Pull the trim off gently, starting at the top, it is held on by clips, no screws or bolts.
Unplug the 4 connectors and keep pulling out and down with the trim.
Pull all of the knobs off the heater ac control unit, then pull gently on the plate behind the knobs.
The AC button will just slide out with the faceplate pull on the plate on that side and slide the AC switch out.
Pull the plate the rest of the way off and look at the bulbs with the green covers, they pull out from the front.
These are fairly common bulbs to buy BUT the green rubber covers that are on them are not available at parts stores. Sometimes you can re use them, but they can stick to the bulb and you will ruin them trying to change them. If you do want to change the color if the light, the bulb number is a #74. If you prefer to keep the stock color, do yourself a favor and buy the 2 bulbs from Toyota, they are around $3 each.
Replace them and snap everything carefully back in place!
There are 2 bulbs behind the Heater/ac control unit, many times one of the 2 will be out causing one side to be dim, the bulbs twist out of the back and are about impossible to change that way unless you have all day to spend!
So DON’T go there, yes there is an easy way to change them, even if you are not mechanically inclined, you don’t even need any tools!
Pull the trim off gently, starting at the top, it is held on by clips, no screws or bolts.
Unplug the 4 connectors and keep pulling out and down with the trim.
Pull all of the knobs off the heater ac control unit, then pull gently on the plate behind the knobs.
The AC button will just slide out with the faceplate pull on the plate on that side and slide the AC switch out.
Pull the plate the rest of the way off and look at the bulbs with the green covers, they pull out from the front.
These are fairly common bulbs to buy BUT the green rubber covers that are on them are not available at parts stores. Sometimes you can re use them, but they can stick to the bulb and you will ruin them trying to change them. If you do want to change the color if the light, the bulb number is a #74. If you prefer to keep the stock color, do yourself a favor and buy the 2 bulbs from Toyota, they are around $3 each.
Replace them and snap everything carefully back in place!
