3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Hi. I'm trying to replace the bulbs behind the climate control knobs but I can't the the unit to slip out. I have removed all the trim from the dash and undone the screws holding in the unit. But it won't slip out. The wires are holding it in tight. I must be missing something. Any advice. Thanks, Joe
When I did mine. the cable going to the A/C button was very short; not enough extra to allow the panel assembly to pull out very far. It was tough getting access to disconnect it. In fact... thinking about it a bit, I think instead, I unclipped the button from the bezel somehow and let it slide out the back.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Great. Thanks. I will try that. I couldn't tell if the AC button wire was the tight one or if there was another issue. I'll try to unclip if from the bottom. Thanks again, Joe
Just remembered... be gentle getting that button to unclip. I broke the clip (part of the whole panel) and had to JB Weld the darn thing back together.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Having a problem getting the buttons to un-clip. Will try again later.
Do you think that you un-clip it them from the bottom ? It almost seems that If I unclip those buttons, it will be impossible clipping them back.
Not giving up just yet. This photo shows where I'm at.
Could the lever for the vents be holding the unit in also ?
Do I have to remove the radio ?
I must be still missing something.
I can't seem to un-clip the AC and the defroster buttons.
Are the bulbs even back there ?
Not giving up yet.
Joe
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1996 V6 Camry 150K
Last edited by coffee-3000; 11-11-2011 at 10:24 AM.
Reason: misspelling
It's been so long I've forgotten, but I remember there was a trick to it. Check out the pics in this thread. Looks like a screw beneath the temperature knob needs to come out?
I thought there was a DIY thread for this in the stickies, but I can't find it.
Edit: Found it; here. But it's for a gen 4/4.5 so not sure how helpful it'll be for ya.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Yes, they are. You're on the right track. I also just remembered the bulb is an oddball. Dealer only. But even the parts counter guy couldn't figure out what it was. He tried to tell me it was part of the whole panel, and I needed to buy that. Dimwit.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Mr. P. - it was stickied, just titled a bit odd. Something like "Center console lights". Blowing thru them, I thought that meant the lights down on the shifter console. Toss the word "climate" in there and that oughta work!
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Thanks DMR and Mister_P. I'm getting a lot closer with your comments.
Once I removed the screw behind the temperture knob, the unit came out a little farther. I was then able to get at the tabs holding the AC and defrost buttons. But it looks like the vent lever is now holding the unit in. Should I be able to access the bulbs at this point or do I need to slide the unit out ? I can't see where the bulbs are at this point.
Not giving up yet. This photo shows where I'm at now.
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1996 V6 Camry 150K
Last edited by coffee-3000; 11-11-2011 at 02:20 PM.
Reason: added a better photo
Dang, I wish I'd taken pics & done a DIY thread back when I did this. I think Mr. P's comment about the front coming off might be right. The bulbs are directly behind the faceplate you're lookin' at, that I know. Perhaps unsnapping the front?... around the perimeter; those click-together doo-hickies? After you get it off, it looks a lot like this photo of the gen 4/4.5 (swiped from that DIY I linked to earlier).
__________________
1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Last edited by BMR; 11-11-2011 at 02:30 PM.
Reason: add pic
Thanks DMR. I was just going to ask you about the face plate. I didn't think Mister_P was referring to the face plate tabs. My fault. I didn't expect the bulbs to be there.
I will snap the face plate off and see what that brings.
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Help - Can get Climate Controls Out
95 Camry
AUTO to MANUAL Swap Guide (3rd Gen) - 
Linear Mode
