How do you replace dash lights 2000 Toyota Tundra?

Answer 1

About three months ago, I replaced the "D" light on my 2000 Tundra, and it turned out to be a pretty easy job. The whole process took approximately 45 minutes. It's probably best to buy the replacement at the dealer even though they'll screw you on price. I tried ordering online and got the wrong bulb - and didn't find out until everything was apart - which sucked. Make sure you have the correct replacement bulb for your year Tundra....

So here's is the process:

1. Remove the two screws from the top of the black instrument bezel using a stubby #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

2. Remove the four 10 mm bolts holding the plastic panel located below the steering column; the panel then pulls out with a little care and resistance. The hood release cable/handle will still be attached, but that is okay. This panel has to be removed as it overlaps the bottom, right hand side of the black instrument bezel.

3. Remove the plastic housing from around the steering column. There is one screw on the bottom along with two screws that are only accessible when the steering wheel is in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. You have to carefully snap the two column housing sections apart to remove. (You may be able to skip this step, but it did provide additional clearance when I removed the instrument cluster as described below.)

4. Pull out the black plastic instrument bezel. You need to put the gear shifter in the "L" position to allow enough clearance.

5. Remove the four screws holding the instrument cluster in place. As you pull out the cluster, there are four wiring harnesses on the back side that are surprisingly easy to unclip.

6. Now pull the cluster all the way out. There are seven bulbs in a row that correspond to P, R, N, D, 2, L and OD Off, so the middle bulb is the "D" bulb. The bulb is removed from the back side of the instrument cluster by inserting a very small slotted screwdriver into it and turning about 1/4 turn CCW.

7. Put in the new bulb and reinstall everything in the reverse order stated above. Remember to CHECK your replaced lamp before you reassemble everything - it's easy to put the bulb in the wrong spot when everything is upside-down and backwards.

Good Luck!