I got robbed...

[phasedout0607]

Dear members of Toyota Nation,

(if this is TLDR, skip to the last paragraph) Long time lurker, but just registered (side note: thank you to http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272681 and http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2552292&postcount=7 for saving me tons in repairs that I could do myself).


http://mypict.me/8ik7J if the picture doesn't work.
Anyway, my ’97 Corolla just fell victim to a radio-jacking of (what I consider) that most malicious kind. Take note of the picture. In an attempt to steal my cheap-ass $20 aftermarket radio, they just popped out my ENTIRE center cluster(?) thing, snipped all the wires to my radio (because apparently pushing down on the clip to take the wires out is too hard), and ran away. Yes, tragic.

I don’t mind the missing radio—no big deal. What bothers me is that they took the air conditioning button and my front vents. I live in AZ, and its already averaging 105/106*F during the afternoons. I am dying. I can turn the A/C up and down with my ghetto levers, but because the A/C was off when they took my button, it just blows hot air.
Anyway, what I am begging you all for is this… I am trying to shop around junkyards and used autoparts, but I really have no idea how to describe this type of piece or how to even find it in any type of listing. I checked the repair manual and, although it wasn’t too detailed, it referred to as the plastic casing as a “central cluster” but with no part number or anything. And I also need a new A/C button, which was too small to even be noted on the diagrams. I’m downloading a copy of the Haynes manual as we speak, but it might be a while.
So, 1) How do I describe these pieces to a junkyard
or
2) What resources can I use to find the information I need about these parts?

[PhatRoyale]

It's the full A/C button assembly from the center console.

You can check out toyodiy.com to try and locate the specific part number.

1st Toyota Parts is a great last resource if you cannot seem to locate it and need to buy it new. Google them up

To scour the junkyards online, check out car-part.com- some junkyards will offer shipping as well.

[phasedout0607]

Thanks for the resources, but all i'm getting is cryptic listings from toyodiy.com like this

55308 CBRACKET SUB-ASSY, INSTRUMENT PANEL, CENTER 55308‑02010 AE101..NAP..D..USA; TAIWAN SPEC & W/O(*80)1 $19.57
55308‑02010 AE10*..NAP1 $19.57 55308‑02030AE101..NAP..D..USA; AE102..NAP..N..USA1
55308‑02030AE101..NAP..D..USA; AE102..NAP..ATM..USA; AE102..NAP..MTM..N..USA1

I mean, this sounds like it could be my part, but how can I tell? And on 1sttoyotaparts, I know my part is in the "front console", but is it the "radio pocket"? or the "finish panel"? I mean, these all sound like they could be my part. None of these websites have pictures!

Or maybe, is it #2 in this photo? It looks possible but I don't see any A/C vents on top.

[BigDAT]

gimme a few mins here, and ill draw a diagram of how to turn your AC on w/o the button by jumping ports.

[PhatRoyale]

It's a part of the Air Conditioning Control Assembly. It's merely called the A/C Switch.

I think the P/N might be 88645-06020, but call 1st Toyota Parts to double check and see if it shows up on their system as the correct part.

[BigDAT]

either connect to 4 for off, or 5 for on

note: leaving it unconnected will make it off, but putting it on 4 lets the car recognize that its off

[phasedout0607]

Originally Posted by BigDAT

either connect to 4 for off, or 5 for on

note: leaving it unconnected will make it off, but putting it on 4 lets the car recognize that its off

This sounds like a possible temporary fix (maybe even for my commute tomorrow). Where can I find that in my car?

[iToaster]

Looks like they trashed the defroster/flash switch too. I've got a few spare A/C switches laying around, and I've even got the center vents and pretty much whatever you need for sale. If you're interested, send me a PM and we can work something out.

[BigDAT]

Originally Posted by phasedout0607

This sounds like a possible temporary fix (maybe even for my commute tomorrow). Where can I find that in my car?

right behind where the a/c button used to be

[speedy25]

Phasedout- There are a handful of pull a part yards around where I ive and they always have a handful of corrolla sedans. PM me and I'll snag the parts for you and ship them to AZ.

DEATH TO THIEVES!!!!

-SP