AC Button Won't Stay Engaged

[Ruggedly]

Hey guys - I couldn't seem to find another thread specifically dealing with a button not staying engaged. Wondering if you've ever seen this before? I doubt many issues these days are "new". Anyway, This started as an intermittent problem, but now seems to be for good. The button will light up when I push it, but it won't stay on/engaged. When it first started happening, I found that if I pushed down in the middle of the button, then slid my finger down to the bottom of the button, it would SOMETIMES engage. Now, nothing works. Any idea whether I'll need a new switch or if there's something else going on? Trying to figure out what I should purchase before I go pulling the dash apart. Here's a video I recorded of the issue. Any help is appreciated!

Link to Video of AC Button Issue

You guys are the best. Seriously.

David

 

[Malleus]

Those buttons are spring loaded. (I hate springs) The momentary switches just have a spring under the contact pin. The fixed pushbutton switches have a tab which grabs the button on its way down.

The easiest one to see is the window lock switch on the DS panel. If you've done the Auto-up mod (and you should, you'll love it), you know that little pushbutton is a bear to reconnect if you pop it out. I don't know if the climate control unit can be opened, I've never tried. I have a spare on the bench. I'll look at it and get back to you, if no one beats me to it.

 

[Malleus]

... and now, on to some viewer mail. Little Jimmy writes, "Mr. Wizard, my A/C button won't stay in when I push it. What can I do?"

Well Jimmy, we have your answer. Here's your climate control in all its glory:

 

[Malleus]

Sorry about that first shot, we're having a little technical difficulty, but you get the idea.

So here's your A/C button:

That little blue button is what gets pushed when you press the large A/C button. It's captured in the housing by a little tab, just below the opening in the black housing. The blue pushbutton is inserted from the other side, and a spring, very much like the one in a ball point pen, is sandwiched between them. The assembly is then connected to the printed circuit board.

So, unfortunately, if yours isn't working, you either have to a) replace that little assembly, or b) buy a new climate control unit.

 

[Malleus]

Here's a fun fact for you kids playing along at home. See that unmarked black button in the middle row, between A/C and RECIRC/FRESH? (you have to look at your dash at home, since this one's disassembled)

It's over those two green pushbuttons in the middle (just to the left of the A/C pushbutton in the photo above). Pushing either one of them in releases any, or all, pushbuttons along the top row. Nifty, huh?

Also, since each pushbutton has its own hardwired light bulb, they can't (easily) be serviced if they fail.

Those clever folks over at Mr. T's came up with a really cool way to backlight the entire unit, using just those three bulbs (with the green condoms). Those three Lucite arms spread the light out over the entire assembly.

 

[Malleus]

Be sure to tune in next time for more exciting news, behind the dash. Until then...

 

[TossYoda]

awesome hammer bone

 

[Ruggedly]

@Malleus - I can't thank you enough. This is exactly the type of reply that makes Mud a one-of-a-kind community. I feel so much better about proceeding with a fix. If I was able to find a donor climate control unit, do you think I could utilize any of those blue switch assemblies or would I specifically need a functioning AC button as a donor?

 

[KevinNY]

Sure its the button? The AC cuts off when the truck is bout to overheat too.

 

[Malleus]

If you feel comfortable with a soldering iron, this is a fairly simple repair. Having said that, I paid $10 for the climate control at a Pull-a-Part lot. It took 15 minutes to pull. Personally, I'd just get a new one.

paging @mel lowe

 

[Rifleman]

Malleus, you really need your own web page, that way you could share your extensive collection of Toyota service manuals and knowledge with us lesser mortals!!!!

 

[BILT4ME]

H
Also, since each pushbutton has its own hardwired light bulb, they can't (easily) be serviced if they fail.

Those clever folks over at Mr. T's came up with a really cool way to backlight the entire unit, using just those three bulbs (with the green condoms). Those three Lucite arms spread the light out over the entire assembly.

So, since MY truck has the left two selection button that the light works and the right 3 buttons do NOT light up, that means I have ONE bulb somewhere in the back that I need to replace?

Do I have to blow the whole damn thing apart like that to change the bulb? If I do, then I'm gonna drive without it.......

 

[Malleus]

Yes, just replace the bulb in the upper left, as you look at the back. If the upper three buttons aren't backlit, the FRESH/RECRIC should also be dark. All five of those share the same Lucite finger.

The bulbs' access holes are covered by tape, but I'd be afraid to drop them inside the case.

The rear cover comes off easily, there are two tabs on the bottom and one on the top to lift and separate.

This is what you'll see when you remove the back.

 

[Ruggedly]

Sure its the button? The AC cuts off when the truck is bout to overheat too.

Yeah, unfortunately this is happening all the time, cold or hot. :/

 

[BILT4ME]

Yes, just replace the bulb in the upper left, as you look at the back. If the upper three buttons aren't backlit, the FRESH/RECRIC should also be dark. All five of those share the same Lucite finger.

View attachment 1642818

The bulbs' access holes are covered by tape, but I'd be afraid to drop them inside the case.

The rear cover comes off easily, there are two tabs on the bottom and one on the top to lift and separate.

View attachment 1642816

This is what you'll see when you remove the back.

View attachment 1642817

Good Lord!

That's EXACTLY the info I was looking for! You're awesome on your detail! Thank you!

 

[gofast]

Adding to this thread. Seen in the middle picture of post 13 is some clear film and beside it is A and M. Behind the film is a switch that allows you to disable the auto climate control and have your hvac work in manual settings.

Basically if you set it to manual the unit doesn't switch back to auto each time you turn off the ignition.

I did this and switched to manual mode. What I didn't notice is that the recirc/fresh air switch stays on fresh in manual mode and will ignore you when you push in the switch for recirculation. I ate lots of dust on the trail. Switched it back to auto and recirculation worked again

 

[Ruggedly]

Just ordered a used replacement unit (no way I was going to spend $550 on a new one). Will be installing it in the weeks to come!

Thanks again all!

 

[Malleus]

Adding to this thread. Seen in the middle picture of post 13 is some clear film and beside it is A and M. Behind the film is a switch that allows you to disable the auto climate control and have your hvac work in manual settings.

Basically if you set it to manual the unit doesn't switch back to auto each time you turn off the ignition.

I did this and switched to manual mode. What I didn't notice is that the recirc/fresh air switch stays on fresh in manual mode and will ignore you when you push in the switch for recirculation. I ate lots of dust on the trail. Switched it back to auto and recirculation worked again

That's only the LX450 models. The Land Cruiser models don't have this option.

@BILT4ME that last one is for you; it's what you see when you remove the back cover. The cutouts are for bulb removal.

 

[BILT4ME]

That's only the LX450 models. The Land Cruiser models don't have this option.

View attachment 1643582

View attachment 1643583
@BILT4ME that last one is for you; it's what you see when you remove the back cover. The cutouts are for bulb removal.

Thank you!

I've been checking back here to see what's happening!

I knew you'd come through with it!

 

[Malleus]

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