I have the automatic climate control and at night the backlight is so dim that I can barely read it, so my question is, is there a actual light bulb in there or is it like that indiglo stuff on watches and I have to replace the whole unit?

 

Sounds like the LCD screen is dying.

You can take apart the unit and IIRC there are some bulbs, but those only backlight the buttons not the screen.

 

the lcd is still crisp and clear its just the green backlight when the head lights are on that is so dim.

 

on my 99, there are 2 little bulbs


it has leds for the buttons, but 2 (actually 4) bulbs to backlight
the lcd display. on your 2001 I am guessing they would be the same

 

I had to replace mine.
Two bulbs behind there, one on the left and one on the right. My screen was dim because one of them had burned out. I replaced them both since I was cracking it open anyway.

WHATEVER you do.. take the bulb out first. THEN take it AND your VIN to the dealer. It took me 3 tries for them finally order the right bulbs

It's an easy job really. If I were you though (and this is what I did), I would take every little crappy bulb out from behind everything you have to remove and get them all now while you are doing it anyway. (even the one under the shifter letters)

Good luck.

James

 

My sentiments exactly, I want to replace everything with red eventually. My dads 01 Tacoma has all red stock and it looks like a stealth fighter cockpit.

 

this will help..a really good writeup.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f127...acement-70183/

 

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thanks a million