Removing oem push button blanks.

Evening everyone.
I‘ve owned a 2021 taco for less than a week now. I’d like to add all my aftermarket lights from my last truck. but I’m having a hard time finding links on how to remove the trim/dash. Also may or may not be scared to start pulling on the dash in random spots. Since it’s so new. I’m noticing the 2020s have a “cubby” next to the drivers knee. That gets filled with a switch plate. Mine doesn’t have that. Any links will be much appreciated and pics are for reference regarding the “blanks”.
cheers

 

Grip and rip. Search you tube, there’s a bunch of videos.

 

Just wrap the head of a flat head screwdriver in painters tape and gently pry on one side. Works like a charm.

 

Yank it like you wank it

 

I have seen one link on the tube and the guy pretty much had to take the whole dash apart to get at the centre blank spots. Is that true or can you gently pry at the blanks and fish your wires through???

 

If you want to do it without possible damage, remove the radio and you can push them out from the hole from the radio.
The left side ones you can reach your arm under the dash and push them out.

If you want to do it fast and dont care about the blanks, put a sheetrock screw into the center and pull

If you want to do it fast and do care about the blank, you can use a hot glue stick and a lighter to stick the glue stick to the blank and pull straight out (this may take a few tries to get it out)

 

Definitely easier to remove radio and reach down in the center area blanks. I've done that multiple times. The left side, just pry the whole thing out. Use something plastic so you don't damage it though.

 

For the left side, there is two clips on the bottom side. Use a trim removal tool or flathead wrapped in tape. Then you need to unplug the existing switches and remove the panel. Pretty simple from that point on.

Regarding the AC controls, it requires more pieces taken off and is easier once you loosen the screws on the head unit. More YouTube videos available for that.

 

I have a tool made for disassembling electronic devices like phones. It is a very thin, slightly flexible but not floppy, stainless steel "blade". The edges are not sharp like a knife, but they are sharp enough to easily push into tight joints. I haven't used one of these for this specific task but I'm sure it would get into the joint much easier and with less risk of damage than a small screwdriver. Another tool that might work is a guitar pick.

 

Thats what i did when i was installing 2lo mod. Took me like 15 mins to take apart the right side of the dash and the hvac part of the dash, its mostly just clips. Very easy.