Attention! Models covered in this manual are equipped with an assisted restraint system (SRS) — «airbag system». To prevent accidental deployment of airbags, which could result in injury, be sure to deactivate the airbag system before working near components of the airbag system (see paragraph 25).
Switches located on the front panel at the bottom left
Note. On the lower edge of the front panel, to the left of the steering column, there are various switches. On Lexus models, these switches are located on one or two small panels that are easily removed from the large trim panel. On Toyota models, the switches are located on a separate large panel that covers both sides of the steering column. Various switches are located here, regardless of the size and shape of the panel. Among them (but the list is not limited to this) switches for functions such as mirror adjustment, anti-theft/immobilizer, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icing, and traction control (two wheel drive models).
1. Gently pry the switch panel with a trim remover and remove it from the bezel (pic. 9.1).
Pic. 9.1. On models 1999-2003. use a trim panel remover to separate the switch panel from the glossy panel (Toyota Highlander shown, Lexus similar)
2. To replace the power mirror switch, disconnect the electrical connector and remove the switch from the switch panel (pic. 9.2, a, b).
Pic. 9.2, a. To disconnect the electrical connector of the power mirror adjustment switch, press the locking element and pull out the plug
Pic. 9.2b. To remove the power mirror switch, carefully release the trim panel from the locking tabs on the switch housing (the other blocking protrusion is not visible here) and pull the switch out of the trim panel
3. To replace the anti-theft/engine immobilizer switch, disconnect the electrical connector and remove the switch from the switch panel (pic. 9.3, a, b).
Pic. 9.3, a. To disconnect the anti-theft/engine immobilizer switch electrical connector, press the locking tab and disconnect the connector
Pic. 9.3b. To remove the anti-theft/engine immobilizer switch, press the locking tabs on both sides of the switch and pull the switch out of the trim panel
4. The rest of the switches located on the switch panel are replaced in the same way as the two described above. To replace any of the other switches on this panel, refer to fig. 9.2, a, b and 9.3, a, b.
5. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
Electrical appliances on the climate control unit
Note. On Toyota models, electrical devices such as the hazard warning light switch, digital clock, and passenger seat belt reminder warning light protrude above the top section of the center trim panel, but are actually located on the A/C/heater control unit.
6. Remove the center trim panel (see chapter 11).
7. Remove climate control unit (see chapter 11).
8. Remove the cover from the back of the climate control unit (pic. 9.8).
Pic. 9.3. Remove the screws to remove the cover from the climate control unit
9. Remove the hazard warning light switch, digital clock, or passenger seat belt reminder warning light from the climate control unit.
10. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.