I need to replace the dash lightbulb(s) behind the center climate control knob on my 2007 4Runner Limited. How do I get the dash apart? Some online info targeting an older model described removing the screw located below the center knob inside the storage bin below - then lifting off the climate control panel starting from the bottom. I have removed the screw but the panel won't budge. I am afraid of cracking or breaking the panel if I force it any more. What am I doing wrong? Is this the correct prodedure?

Well, this is a strange question. I guess you have the knobs and not the buttons. Normally, the knob can only go on one way. If someone forced the knob on the wrong way, you can pull straight out on it and it will come right off its shaft. Just hope no one glued it on.

The twisty knob switch could have been installed into the climate control cluster incorrectly. Once you pull the knob off the shaft, the position of the flat spot on the shaft will be obvious, as well as if the knob was rigged to fit. If the knob looks ok and so does the shaft, you will need to pop off the trim surrounding the climate controls and the radio. This will expose the screws that hold the climate control to the sub-dash. Remove the screws and pull the cluster out of the dash far enough to get behind the fan switch. The switch snaps into the cluster from behind.

The single zone control variant is even simpler, it's part of the trim bezel that wraps around the radio. Less screws to remove.

Once you get the cluster apart, you may find that someone jimmied the switch or cluster. This assembly is 99 percent plastic, so if something is snapped off, cracked or broken, you can either do a plastic repair or replace the whole cluster.

After you take the assembly apart once, it will be easy to do the same at a salvage yard. Just call around to the u-pull-it yards and find one near you. While you are there, grab some more parts off of the donor van to fix yours. The grand total will be less than the price of a new switch.

Good luck and please mark my answer as helpful.

easier type

what kind of vehicle is this? very important detail. alot of vehicles have multiple bulbs behind the instrument panel. if these bulbs burn out you have to remove the panel and replace the burnt out bulbs.

The tiny incandescent light bulb is behind the knob soldered to the circuit board, you must remove the climate control head unit and take it apart to access the knobs back light bulb on the circuit board. You can buy the replacement bulb at Radio Shack, the part number is 7219 Micro Lamp.

There is one bulb (for all three knobs) behind the center knob. Turn the knob to the straight up and down 12 o'clock position and pull the knob straight out. Wrap a soft cloth around the jaws of a pliers, that works the best. Pull the bulb out with a needle nose wrapped with a rubber band. The bulb is a sylvania 2721, available at most auto parts stores. You can also use a small piece of vacuum tubing to pull the bulb out. (pull straight out, don't twist it)

1. pry out carefully the clock out, and remove its connectors
2. take out the screw behind the clock, and the 2 screws facing south below the center dash fascia
3, pull out the fascia (takes some force)
4. remove the 2 plug connectors of the climate control
5. look for the bulbs backside on the rear of the climate control, they look like a black plastic disc, smaller than a dime

There is a climate control module behind dash on passenger side probably going to be the problem

this is not a easy fix and it does not have a bulb to illuminate it the illumination is part of a circuit board and the whole unit requires replacementand it is quite expensive,sorry

I have this same problem, have you found a way to fix it?

I think that from your description, the CCM (climate control module) might be bad. It's located behind the center of the dash, where the ICM (infotainment control module) is located. Basically, the panel where the radio and the A/C knobs are needs to come out. The part of that assembly that has the A/C knobs attached is the part that may need to be replaced. Hope this helps

The dash is lit by one or more bulbs located on the edge of that clear plastic. You may be able to get to the lamp holder by reaching up behind the dash. If not there, then the dash will need to come off.