Instrument panel switches — replacement
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system components to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag(s), which could cause personal injury (see Airbag system — general information).
Hazard warning switch
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2001 and earlier Camry models
2. Using a trim tool, carefully pry the registers from the center of the instrument panel (see illustration).
10.2 Carefully pry the center register assembly out of the instrument panel
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the switch.
4. Remove the screws and detach the switch from the panel (see illustration).
10.4 Hazard flasher switch screws
5. Installation is the reverse of removal.
2012 and earlier Avalon models
6. Carefully remove the center trim panel (see Body).
7. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the switch from in between the A/C heater registers. Depress the tabs and push the switch out of the panel.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal.
2012 and later Camry, 2013 and later Avalon and all Lexus models
9. Remove the center cluster finish panel (see Body) from the instrument panel.
10. Remove the radio unit (see Radio and speakers — removal and installation) and separate the radio from the heater/air
conditioning control panel assembly.
11. The hazard warning switch is integrated into the control panel and must be serviced as a unit.
12. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Power mirror control switch
13. On Avalon and Lexus models, remove the knee bolster trim panel (see Body).
14. On Avalon and Lexus models, remove the driver’s side trim panel from the instrument panel (see Dashboard trim panels — removal and installation).
15. On Avalon and Lexus models, disconnect the electrical connector and disengage the mounting clips from the back side.
16. On Camry models, pry the switch from the trim panel (see illustration) and disconnect the electrical connector.
10.16 Use a screwdriver or trim tool to pry out the mirror switch (Camry models)
17. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Defogger control switch
18. The defogger control switch and A/C control switch is one unit and must be replaced as an assembly (see Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems).
Instrument panel illumination rheostat
19. Remove the driver’s side trim panel (see Body) and carefully pry the switch from the instrument panel, using tape on the screwdriver tip to prevent scratching the instrument panel.
20. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the switch.
21. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Power outlets
22. On Avalon and Lexus models, carefully pry the switch base from the center console (see Body).
Note: On models equipped with a seat heater, pry the heater switch base up and out to access the power outlets. On Camry models, remove the lower storage box (see Center console and armrest — removal and installation).
23. Disconnect the electrical connector. Depress the tabs and push the outlet through the panel.
24. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Engine switch (smart key models)
25. Carefully remove the driver’s side trim panel (see Body).
26. Unplug the engine switch wiring harness connectors.
27. Pull the two retaining clips back and pull the switch from the control assembly.
28. Installation is reverse of the removal.