Seeking tips for pulling the "glossy" trim that surrounds the fan speed control.

[Ruby Khan]

Seeking tips for pulling the "glossy" trim that surrounds the fan speed control.

Hi,
I am about to install a RedArc electric trailer brake controller and will pull the driver-side lower dash panel. The instructions I have seen include pulling the glossy plastic piece on the left part of the central cluster and the trim surrounding the fan speed controller.

I can't see any particular place to use a trim removal tool. The videos I have watched show people just pulling the piece off, almost as if they have already struggled to do so, and are doing some sort of easy reenactment.

Can you share any tips for getting this piece off without damaging it?

Thank you!

 

[Humble Leader]

I've removed those panels a number of times. the way I do it is as follows

sit in drivers seat
grab with right hand the bottom of the trim piece, thumb on the inside nearest to your knee
pull directly out
you don't need to remove any other centre trim panels to install the controller

it might help to also remove the centre console area with the gear shift but I don't think that is required

 

[Ruby Khan]

Hi,
Thank you for the helpful information.

Thank you.

 

[Ruby Khan]

FWIW,
I had a heck of a time getting this piece of trim off.

I could not budge it using my fingers. There is not a lot to get a grip on.

I finally got it off using a trim tool and discovered the place that Toyota probably provided for inserting the trim tool after the fact.

I'm posting some pictures here with the hope that they will help others.

 

[TRDHULK]

When you remove put a piece of masking tape on the dash to avoid scratching when reinstalling.

 

[Ruby Khan]

When you remove put a piece of masking tape on the dash to avoid scratching when reinstalling.

I wish I had done that, but luckily, I ended up with just a bit of blemish on an edge that was mostly hidden from view when everything was put back together.

Good tip.