Dash Wiring problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noted that there were cracks in the dashboard near the air vents. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard was cracking and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer also sent a letter asking owners to take the vehicle to a dealer to have the dashboard inspected however, the dealer stated that the repair part was not available. There was no recall on the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Dashboard gauges, escpecially speedometer and fuel gauge, are difficult or impossible to read in daytime. Situation is made worse when wearing sunglasses. Problem is that gauges are recessed too deep and letters are not contrasted enough with dash plate (ie light gray on dark gray). Toyota acknowledges problem as they have issued a TSB which essentially keeps dash lights on all the time. Turning on dashboard lights does not solve problem as lighting is an amber color. Solution is two stage lighting. Bright white in daytime and amber or blue in night.

Previously submitted as : 10060723 ,ammending dealer,purchase date and incident date: dashboard gauges, escpecially speedometer and fuel gauge, are difficult or impossible to read in daytime. Situation is made worse when wearing sunglasses. Problem is that gauges are recessed too deep and letters are not contrasted enough with dash plate (ie light gray on dark gray). Toyota acknowledges problem as they have issued a TSB which essentially keeps dash lights on all the time. Turning on dashboard lights does not solve problem as lighting is an amber color. Solution is two stage lighting. Bright white in daytime and amber or blue in night.