Controlling the dimmer on a Toyota overhead display

 

switch assembly

Connectors and switch pre-wired

 

My idea of placing the switch in the sunglasses compartment did not work out as the switch component stuck out too far in the back, hitting the truck roof.  He also painted the switch gray to match the overhead console color.  Check it out:

 

Switch mounted next to accessory meter

Switch mounted next to accessory meter

 

Switch painted to match interior

Painted to match the interior

 

Email received with photos:

“Attached are two photos of the temp display switch I installed.  I ended up using a smaller switch from Radio Shack and painted it grey.  It is the type of switch that can be illuminated, but the kid at Radio Shack showed me how to ignore the leads that would illuminate the switch.  I installed it up next to the display.  I didn’t put the switch in the sunglass compartment as the back of the switch would extend far enough to be in conflict with the roof.  I don’t even notice the switch at this location after painting it with some gray model airplane paint.  After driving at night, I am glad we installed the switch.  Short trips on bright display aren’t a problem, but the glare gets old on longer night travels.”

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For the DIY’er, see the below video for the wire you need to cut / splice the mod.  Understand that if you cut the dimmer wire, your display will be on permanent ‘bright’ (daylight) mode unless you install a switch.  Feel free to send me any pictures or ideas you have regarding this modification; I will be happy to post them.

 

 

Clipped wire for dimmer

View of clipped dimmer wire. Without a switch, this results in a permanent bright display.

 

View of connector (on display board, not truck)

View of connector. Three pins on top, five on the bottom.

 

View of dimmer pin

Click on the image to zoom; displays the dimmer pin. Isolate this wire from the bundle (double check your work)

 

Dimmer mod wire

Verify the dimmer wire: third from the left.

  •  As a third verification, you may note that the wire you cut corresponds with the dark green wire on the truck side connector.  I suspect this is common to all Tacomas.

 

switches

Types of switches we use: push on/off and toggle.

 

  • Note that push on/off switches are ‘outies’;  small connectors must be attached to the wiring to be fed through the switch mount hole.  I generally use 3mm gold bullet connectors as they are strong and corrosion resistant.  If you decide to use this type of switch, just be aware you must either install connectors or solder the switch in place once mounted in the console.  This is not necessary with a toggle as they are ‘innies’ and can be hardwired prior to installation.
  • Be sure to give yourself a little extra wire; the last thing you want is to be .5″ short of where you want to mount the switch.  Also, double check to make sure the switch isn’t going to interfere with re-mounting the console…my initial idea of hiding it in the sunglass compartment doesn’t work because there isn’t sufficient space above.  (especially with push button switches).
  • Small switches like these can be found at radio shack or other electronics stores.  Don’t worry about electrical rating; any will work fine.  Size, quality, looks, and switch ‘feel’ are the important factors here.

Good luck, and feel free to send any installation pics / ideas / tips my way.

-Greg

Permanent link to this article: https://siliconmethod.com/controlling-dimmer-toyota-overhead-display/

8 comments

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  1. recently came upon your offer to email details of the dimmer mod (overhead display).

    I would be grateful for the info, please & thanks.

    1. Wayne,
      I will get a writeup or video done ASAP…I think a few other folks are interested in this, also.
      In the meantime if you have specific questions feel free to email me and I will help as much as I can.
      -greg

    • Fast Eddy on May 2, 2014 at 10:15 pm
    • Reply

    Greg, nice fix on that Tacoma overhead console. Mine works, but I’d like some info on which wires to cut so I can install a variable switch as a dimmer. Thanks again for your offer. Fast Eddy

    1. Hey Fast Eddy,

      I am actually going to be finishing the write-up today on how to DIY the dimmer control, in addition to offering the service professionally. Note that I am going to offer the minimum cutting / taping the wire for free, and installing a switch/bullet connectors for a fee.
      I will email you when both are online…
      Thanks,
      Greg

    • Dan on April 11, 2020 at 1:16 am
    • Reply

    Hello, 2005 Tacoma how can I make my clock stay bright when I turn on my headlights. Do I need to cut a wire on the clock like you did on the overhead display? Any help would be appreciated thanks!!!

    1. Hi Dan,
      Yep, that is correct. When you cut that wire, the display will remain in full brightness all the time unless you wire in a switch to control it.

    • J. Black on May 29, 2023 at 9:13 am
    • Reply

    Very thorough and impressive DIY tutorial! Thank you so much for providing this information 🙂

    My dad recently purchased 2006 4×4 Tacoma without working compass display and I discovered your site on TN and will be patronizing your services very soon!

    As a customer testimonial stated similarly, I also extend my gratitude to you for offering this repair service to Tacoma owners who lack all necessary equipment, experience, and thus confidence in their soldering skills to repair it themselves!

    1. J, sorry for the late response to your website feedback! I have to sift through spam to get to real folks, and so I tend to wait for a few months at a time.
      Thanks for the business and great comments. -Greg

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