Has anyone ever removed the ambient light sensor (daylight sensor) in the center of the dash near the windshield? I cannot seem to get it out. I know it only snaps in, but can't get any tool to go under it to pop it out. I've even removed the speaker, but can't quite get my hand in there to push it out.

Any suggestions?

 

If you go look at this Amazon review:

Jeremy Chambers mentions this...
"Bought this cause I seen that the 5th gen 4Runner was already wired for the auto darken dash lights.
This was exactly the case. The item was an easy install it took a second to get the old one out of the dash.
I just used a zip tie to keep the plug from falling back into the dash area and then snapped the new one in place.
I would highly suggest this for anyone with a Toyota that this items fits."

Looking at the part, there are two legs that springs out, and I'm thinking these legs have to be squeezed to release the connection.
Therefore, I'm thinking the perhaps the sensor can be just lifted up, meaning pulling up the connector wiring,
so that you can disconnect it. Notice that this guy used a zip tie temporary to prevent the connector end from falling inside the dash hole.

 

I found this Toyota 4Runner video on how its removed.

As I suspected, it just pops up. Get a pry tool or improvise with something that you can poke under the sensor and lift it up.

 

I was able to use the 3rd and 4th picks below to get under the sensor,
and tried to lift the sensor up using both picks but it didn't want to budge.

I'm thinking the 2 legs on the sensor that bulges outward, must be squeezed for it to pop out.
I was afraid if I force it, it'll either break the legs on the sensor or crack the dashboard.

You mentioned you removed the speaker, so you probably removed the infotainment display unit,
once the headunit is removed, are you able to get your hands deep inside to squeeze the
two sensor legs and then push it upwards?


https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-p...xoCDd0QAvD_BwE

 

Thanks, however the GS300 doesn't have that much room between the dash and windshield. Also, no - I didn't remove the head unit, only the dash speaker. And my hands are too large to get in the hole to push the sensor up.

I'm in a quandary . . . . .

I'm thinking the unit is faulty, because I'm having issues with floor and door handle lights failing to come on when my headlight switch is OFF or on AUTO HEADLIGHTS.

That's another thread . . . https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...with-door.html