Has anyone moved the electronic switches for the rear window power / lock/ wiper from the center armrest to the dash? I want to replace my seats and armrest and figured I would start with the electronics.

Wondering which direction the wiring comes in from (ie. straight from dash to armrest, from drivers seat, thru floor, etc.). Any help is appreciated.

Thanks...AkBillyBow

 

Sory, that was in a 1st gen 4Runner.:confused:

AkBillyBow

 

If I remember correctly, they come through under the carpet from the front center console, that should give you enough slack to relocate them. Maybe in the blanks above the radio/ under the AC controls?

Replaced my rear window sitch and that's where it looked like they were coming from, if so you might have to unscrew your center console assembly to allow enough room to pull the carpet up a little and drag them out. Let us know if this is right, and take pics! Good luck...

 

Thanks dajabr, I appreciate the info. Hopefully I can find the time to work on it tomorrow!

AkBillyBow

 

Sounds interesting there AkBillyBow.
Let us know what you do and take some pictures

 

Well, I started moving the switches and it is more of a job than I expected (what a surprise ). The wiring runs under the drivers seat and connects to the harness that runs to the rear of the Runner under the door/carpet guard. Also, the switches wouldn't mount on the dash where I wanted them because of the shape of the knock-out that is there.

I considered making a box and mounting them in the change holder that is in front of the shifter and under the radio. I really wanted them on the dash, so I shot down that idea.

I had to do some cutting and fabricating, but I am mounting them on the dash where I originally wanted them. Only thing, the wiring harness won't reach there so I desided to cut the wires (like 16 of them) and solder in new wire so I can route them thru the shifter counsil, under the radio, up the dash and to the new switch location.

I had to quit for the night and will resume in the morning. I have been taking pictures and will get them up tomorrow along with a new progess report.

Sorry so long:rolleyes:

AkBillyBow

 

Well, I finished moving the switches in my Runner. I moved them from the middle console to the dash. They were cool on the console but I want to replace my front seats and armrest...so they had to be moved!

I decided to splice in new wire and run them under the shifter console, up the dash behind the radio and to the new loation on the dash.

I loaded some pics of the process, start to finish:

http://community.webshots.com/user/akbillybow

Here is a pic of the finished product. It is not perfect but I am pretty satisfied with the results



AkBillyBow

 

Well, that pic didn't work

You'll have to go to the link to see it

AkBillyBow

 

Wow.
You did a great job.

One question, do you have the rear heater in your 4runner?

I would like to get a new center console but i really don't want to lose the rear heater.

Thanks for the pic's

 

Hey Toddski, thanks for the positive feedback! I do not have a rear heater in my Runner. I didn't even realize some of them came with one...I am new to this Toyota gig. I just picked up this Runner a few months ago and almost everything I have learned has been thru this board

Apparently your heater switch is also on the console
If so, I would think you can still move the switches, as it should just be electrical to the switch and your hoses running from the engine back to the heater. This is only a guess, as I am not familiar with the rear heater ,(but now I want one )

Do you have a pic of the rear heater? I guess I'll start looking for one when I'm out looking for new seats and a console!!

Thanks again...AkBillyBow

 

Hey Billy, this looks really cool, I think we have indentical 4runners, and that looks like this mod is stock from the factory. What did you make the switch plate of? Well done dude! You gotta pic of what's left in the center console? Keep the pics coming!

 

I think the rear heater takes up the whole center console.
Haven't taken it apart to see how big it is.

I do like the rear heater. I have it on all the time when we are up playing in the mountains. My kids throw there gloves and shoes down there to warm them up. It does kick out alot of heat.

 

The rear heater is pretty big, saw on in a junker and it takes up almost the whole storage area in the tall, rear most "box" of the console just between the seats.
Billy, what do you plan to do with the space you just made? If you want the stock heater you may have to put the center console back, or else fab something.

Also, I don't have the tools to fab anything, and my apt doesn';t let me work on my truck in the parking lot ($#@%&*ing facsists. Really, I'm not just venting. Possible class action lawsuit pending with tenants). Have always wanted to add switches in the Cruise/key light spot wherre you just put your switches. What would it take to fab me up one of those plates for eventual use?

 

Thanks for the positive feedback gang!! I feel good that I could finally contribute to this board I have been coming here for a few months, and have learned a TON of stuff. Finally I have a chance to contribute back to the board and to you guys!!

I didn't realize the rear heater was actually IN the console. I thought it was in the way back, cargo area. Scrap that idea for me...don't need that in the way !!

The plate is made of 1/4" Birch plywood. Not the typical pressed chips of wood thing, but higher quality laminations of Birch glued together. It is very stable and more like "real" wood. You can actually put a screw into it and it won't pull out!!

I left the console out for now. I want to get new seats and a new console...one that ACTUALLY has drink holders and comes up high enough that you can rest your arm on it when driving. Don't know when all that will happen, though.

Dajabr, I will make you a face plate. Only thing, I will need to find a switch to use when fitting the switch to the holes. I actually put a drop of hot glue on mine when I got them lined up properly. I don't want to take them back out...if I can help it. If I can find a junker switch to use for sizing, I will make you one. You have helped me alot with info on my Runner...it is the least I can do

Later... AkBillyBow

 

Wow, thanks dude! To be honest I don't really know what I'm going to put in that spot yet, just know that I would add stuff either there or between the radio and A/C controls. It might be an inverter switch or fog lights, dunno.
I guess there's really no need to go to all the trouble right now, but I would probably accept your gracious offer when I have something to go there and when it's convenient for you.

BTW, what kinda seats are you looking at?

 

Here's that heater, without blower assembly. Not sure what the hell else is going on inside this thing. Courtesy of another board....

 

Wow...that heater is huge!! It does take up alot of space. No way you could convert that thing in the manner that I am thinking of. I just see carpet between my seats now.

Let me know on that plate. In the mean time I'll try to find a switch on a visit to the junkyard...no problem.

I don't have a particular seat in mind. I just don't like the seats in it now. Not too comfortable! I want buckets and a console, grey in color, and comfortable. Those are my only requirements so far. I would also like to mount them a tad further back, to gain more leg room!!

AkBillyBow

 

Your seats are much nicer than mine I must have the bottom of the bottom line!!

I'll find some one day!!

AkBillyBow