[chunkinator]

This is not a big deal, but since we bought the car used, the rear HVAC controls don't operate. We can still get heat back there through the main controls, but seems like buttons are gummed up.

Car is a 2005 Sequoia with the rear controls.

How do I pull this unit out to service it? I figure the control unit probably needs to be disassembled and cleaned. Tried searching around on google and youtube for some instructions but there don't seem to be any guides.


Any tips/suggestions?

thanks

 

[Justinpm1994]

I removed it awhile back, and im pretty sure you just have to pry it out with a screw driver, its held in there by snaps.

 

[chunkinator]

I removed it awhile back, and im pretty sure you just have to pry it out with a screw driver, its held in there by snaps.

Oooh, that makes it easy. thanks!

 

[Farnsrocket]

Did you ever fix your problem? I have the same thing going on with mine.

 

[mibro]

Did you ever fix your problem? I have the same thing going on with mine.

It's held in by two snaps/clips. Gently pry it out with a thin blade. Disconnect it then you can clean it up - it's obvious how to do that once it's removed.

 

[Farnsrocket]

It's held in by two snaps/clips. Gently pry it out with a thin blade. Disconnect it then you can clean it up - it's obvious how to do that once it's removed.

Gotcha! I'm wondering if the OP's works now?

 

[chunkinator]

Been out of town and haven't had time to fix it yet. Will update once I have a chance to look into it.

 

[chunkinator]

Gotcha! I'm wondering if the OP's works now?

Very simple fix.
1) slide a flat-blade screwdriver under the edge of the control panel at the left and right.
2) Unclip the wiring harness.
3) Remove the two phillips head screws
4) then the front button panel separates from the control electronics and display unit.

My "off" button was sticky, so sprayed some penetrant (or whatever you want to loosen up the button), wiggled the button around and it freed it up. Now everything works...

But after putting it together, I realized the buttons weren't really the problem. I finally understood how the front and rear controls work.

When the F & R heat button is pressed and lit on the main control panel, the rear controls are disabled. When the main button is off, then the rear controls work. Had this car for a year before discovering how to actually operate it... hehe.. Maybe I should learn to actually read the instruction manual first before looking for things to fix.

 

[Farnsrocket]

No kidding!? I have to check that out now! I just got my truck last week and tested the plug...... it has power......... and ordered a module off Ebay for $35 shipped. That will be hilarious if the "broken" one works!

 

[G30Jack]

This thread made me look at my controls. My '04 looks like the previous owner had a spill. Everything worked but it was pretty gummed up. I disassembled the control, popped in 3 LEDs, and cleaned the whole assembly. Looked like someone spilled a coke on the panel. Now it's all clean and not sticky.

 

[chunkinator]

This thread made me look at my controls. My '04 looks like the previous owner had a spill. Everything worked but it was pretty gummed up. I disassembled the control, popped in 3 LEDs, and cleaned the whole assembly. Looked like someone spilled a coke on the panel. Now it's all clean and not sticky.

Yes, it's not the wisest place to put electronic controls next to cup-holders. My bro-in-laws Sienna has them much better executed - up above below the roof liner.

 

[Farnsrocket]

This thread made me look at my controls. My '04 looks like the previous owner had a spill. Everything worked but it was pretty gummed up. I disassembled the control, popped in 3 LEDs, and cleaned the whole assembly. Looked like someone spilled a coke on the panel. Now it's all clean and not sticky.

What/how did you clean it? We're you able to take apart the panel with all the buttons? I got my used module from
eBay today and it works! Seems like my old one must have had a coke on it...... the buttons are a little sticky.

 

[G30Jack]

What/how did you clean it? We're you able to take apart the panel with all the buttons? I got my used module from
eBay today and it works! Seems like my old one must have had a coke on it...... the buttons are a little sticky.

I took it apart (2 screws) and took the front panel and soaked it in warm water. Rinsed it a couple times and blew it dry with my compressor. The board had a little syrup looking stuff on it so I used warm water and a q-tip. I followed it up with isopropyl alcohol and a good dose of compressed air.

 

[G30Jack]

Yes, it's not the wisest place to put electronic controls next to cup-holders. My bro-in-laws Sienna has them much better executed - up above below the roof liner.

Our Sienna has them up high as well. Much better execution, as you said.

 

[Farnsrocket]

I took it apart (2 screws) and took the front panel and soaked it in warm water. Rinsed it a couple times and blew it dry with my compressor. The board had a little syrup looking stuff on it so I used warm water and a q-tip. I followed it up with isopropyl alcohol and a good dose of compressed air.

Awesome, thanks!