2001 4runner - Replacing AC controls and ECT Illumination Bulbs **PICTURES**

The illumination bulbs were out on my AC controls, ECT, rear window button, rear defroster, and power point.

This is a write up on the step by step process I took to replace the bulbs.

My research was done here: ***************************************************************************

After reading thru those threads, I determined I needed the following part numbers. These are for a 2001 4runner, the bulbs for other 4runner generations might be different.

2001 4runner limited climate control light bulbs:

Part Number #81850-35050 - 2 Total
Part Number #81850-35040 - 2 Total

Hazard control light bulb:

Part Number #84999-10860 - 1 Total

ECT and Defroster light bulb:

Part Number #90010-01041 - 1 Total

Rear window roll down:

Part Number #90010-01042 - 1 Total

Cigarette lighter:

Part Number #84999-10250 - 1 Total

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Ordered all my bulbs from Camelback Toyota:



Removing the center console cup holder, this is done by tugging it off:





Then removing the shifter surround:



Next, the radio surround is removed, gently pry it away from the dash:



Pull it out slowly to reveal the plugs by the ac vents:



Unplug the power point plugs:





Once the power point plug connector has been removed, locate the bulb - it is the gray end of the power point:



Twist to remove:



Next, I removed the hazard switch:



This is done by releasing the side tabs:



Next, I removed this portion:



This is done by releasing tabs at the ends AND at the top center:





Next I removed the AC controls faceplate, tabs are on top. This is very flimsy, so careful:





I then removed the screws that hold in the AC control unit, disconnected the rear plugs and pulled it out:



At this moment, I went ahead and installed the power point bulb:



Time for some surgery. Hazard switch:



Twist and pull out the bulb, replace with new one:



Now the strip, this has two bulbs. One for defroster and ECT, another bulb for the rear window switch:



A needle nose pliers will allow the removal of one of the bulbs.



To remove the other, the backing must be removed, a small flat head screwdriver helps here. I then removed the other bulb and replaced it.



Next step of the surgery was to open the front of the AC control unit. I removed two screws. FOUR tabs need to be released on the top and bottom. Forks or toothpicks help keeping tabs open while I worked on other tabs.







Carefully opened the AC control unit..





Bulbs removed and replaced:





I then assembled the AC control unit together.

Reinstalled everything back together.

Finally have all my illumination working properly!

 

Just looking to do this. Thanks for posting the pics!

 

let us know if you have any questions!

 

I'm looking to this on my 2002 4runner soon. Is there a color option on the bulbs?

 

If its stock OEM light bulbs.. NO.

If you upgrade to LEDs (aftermarket), yes.

 

What an Amazing Walkthrough very much appreciated climate control bulbs all bad on mine been driving me nuts

 

Just finding this thread and looking to do the same to my climate control. Any idea where to get aftermarket LEDs?

 

Does anyone know the part number for the rear window light for LED from Amazon? I already replaced the climate control lights and they were T3 and T4.2. Got them from Amazon and they looks awesome! I just can’t find the LED for the rear window button light.