Instrument Panel Trim Replacement

[Goosedog]

I was hoping one of you could take pity on me. I am replacing the instrument panel trim on my '85 FJ60. Once it got beyond unscrewing, it quickly got out of my league.

Two questions. On the cigarette lighter, I assume the outside is sort of a cap that separate from the inside housing. Do I just pry that apart?

On the other switches, I assume the white plastic housing on the inside is a quick wire disconnect. Do I just pull those apart or is there a release?

I would rather not experiment my way into a trip to the shop. Thanks very much.

 

[lovetoski]

I don't remember off-hand how the cig lighter comes out. Some have a ring that screws down to hold it tight. Sorry, just don't remember.

On the switches, there's almost always a release tab. Look carefully, it's the same color as the rest of the connector.

 

[tonyota]

The cig lighter un-screws , like a full sleeve covers the lighter socket & it un screws. Do it by hand if possible, cause pliers will crush it. Un-plug the wires first. The switches do have a catch. Most Toyota catches pull up, as opposed to push in, some have a catch on both sides. Be gentle & take your time. Toyotas are smartly put together & easy to work on, as well as built to stay together, just keep that in mind.

 

[Goosedog]

Thanks guys. I'll get back in there tonight.

 

[Tofudebeest]

It's not intimidating once you see it done or be brave and examine each part closely. There are no secrets or mechanic's knowledge required for this kind of thing. Pull gently. If that doesn't work, twist gently, etc. until you figure out how each thing is engineered.

 

[Goosedog]

Thanks again. All switches disconnected and the cigarette lighter removed. Here's the rub: the two switches furthest left (rear wiper/rear defrost) retreated back up in the guts like a scared turtle. I can get them with pliers, but they aren't far enough out the reconnect with my hands. Is there an easy way to get access back there so I can try to get more slack or get more access so I can reconnect these two switches? Thanks very much.

 

[Goode]

Prob have to remove the "duct work" or tube that's in the way to get your hand back there. Reaching up from underneath.