A-Trac switch install with pics

[highbeams]

guys, this install is a breeze
it literally took less than 10 minutes
of course I have a bit of mechanical ability
but I
1 snapped off plate below the parking break
2 snapped off plate around shifters ( after taking off knobs)
3 took out 4 10mm bolts where stated, slipped back what remained of the consule
4 took out the 2 other bolts and sliped up the switch housing,
5 Identified the wires and poped out blank and popped in switch
( a word here, on my FJC the wires are in a bundle with another switch, it is wrapped in a pink plastic coating, the other switch is for the sub woofer)
turned on the vehicle unset brake,popped into nuetral, went into 4 low, turned on switch and everything lit up as supposed to, turned on locker, Atrac turned off, popped back out of 4x4 into park set brake
6 re assembled the consule and grinned from ear to ear at my 63.99 dollar atrac install.

[Voodoogirl]

This might be a repeat, but you don't need to take the console apart. Just get a thin screwdriver, (or two, one on each side works well), and pop the blank right out. One minute install Ordered my switch on the 11th, showed up on the 25th.

Kathie

[MoabRat]

Same here, no need to disassemble everything. Popped the cover off with a thin screwdriver and the wiring was attached to the back of the plate. Two minute install.

[Mtbcoach]

I received my switch today from TRDsource, followed the directions on this thread and all went as planned. I took the whole thing apart because I added an additional 12v ouput to the back of the console for the kids to plug in their music/dvd/etc while travelling.

Don't make the same mistake I did by not replacing the shifter knobs to avoid scratching any of the plastic. That stuff must be really soft and those threads really sharp because I could swear that the two never met but I came away with a couple scratches on the switch console. Nothing serious, just take the time to screw the knobs back on just to be sure.

Thanks to all that took the time to find this nice add on.

[ruebarb]

Mtbcoach previously said:

I received my switch today from TRDsource, followed the directions on this thread and all went as planned. I took the whole thing apart because I added an additional 12v ouput to the back of the console for the kids to plug in their music/dvd/etc while travelling.

Don't make the same mistake I did by not replacing the shifter knobs to avoid scratching any of the plastic. That stuff must be really soft and those threads really sharp because I could swear that the two never met but I came away with a couple scratches on the switch console. Nothing serious, just take the time to screw the knobs back on just to be sure.

Thanks to all that took the time to find this nice add on.

Same thing happened to me, luckily I only badly scratched a dummy plate, which I swapped for the plate where the atrac switch was going. I had a few scratches other places, but a little rubbing with my finger dulled their appearence.

[Wolfbak]

3. Pull the top of the center console (around the shifters) straight up with your hands. It is held by clips and pulls up easily. Unscrew the 4wd shifter knob and pull the console top off. Put the shifter knob back on right away because the sharp threads of the shifter easily scratch the plastic panels!

You should have followed my instructions! I learned the hard way so you wouldn't have to...

Actually I was following instructions that said to put the knob back on without saying why - then I learned why!

[Kansas Law Dog]

Wolfbak previously said:

3. Pull the top of the center console (around the shifters) straight up with your hands. It is held by clips and pulls up easily. Unscrew the 4wd shifter knob and pull the console top off. Put the shifter knob back on right away because the sharp threads of the shifter easily scratch the plastic panels!

You should have followed my instructions! I learned the hard way so you wouldn't have to...

Actually I was following instructions that said to put the knob back on without saying why - then I learned why!

Another way to do this without remembering when to take-off, put-on, take-off and put-on the knobs would be to take the knobs off first, tape the threads with a generous wrap of electrical tape and as the last thing you do remove the electrical tape and put the knobs back on.

[surfponto]

Voodoogirl previously said:

This might be a repeat, but you don't need to take the console apart. Just get a thin screwdriver, (or two, one on each side works well), and pop the blank right out. One minute install Ordered my switch on the 11th, showed up on the 25th.

Kathie

OK now that is ridiculously easy!
My switch should be here today or tomorrow so I will go this route.

thanks,
Bob

[1983FJ60]

1. Pop blank out with screwdriver (I used the iOpener iPod opener tool, it's plastic and less chance of scratching).
2. Find wire for ATRAC right behind blank
3. Plug in
4. Push switch into place
5. Try to engage ATRAC to doublecheck it works

[jayazusa]

1983FJ60 previously said:

1. Pop blank out with screwdriver (I used the iOpener iPod opener tool, it's plastic and less chance of scratching).
2. Find wire for ATRAC right behind blank
3. Plug in
4. Push switch into place
5. Try to engage ATRAC to doublecheck it works

I followed this and it took me longer to read this entire thread than do the install. Worked great.

Jay