Owners of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 are often faced with the need to dismantle the standard refrigerator located in the center console between the front seats. This could be because the compressor has broken down, you want to make room for other things, or you need to replace seals. The removal process requires care, since the structure is tightly integrated into the car interior.
Before starting work, you need to understand that refrigeration unit in this car it is not just an ice box, but a full-fledged unit with a compressor that requires careful handling. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic of the dashboard or damage to the integrity of the cooling system pipes. In this article we will analyze each stage in detail.
First, prepare your workplace. You will need good light as many of the fasteners are hidden in recesses. It is also worth stocking up on a set of tools in advance so as not to be distracted during the process. Remember that any haste can lead to breakage of the plastic latches, which become especially fragile in the cold.
Required tools and safety precautions
Before touching the first screw, make sure that the car is on a level surface and the engine is turned off. Safety is the number one priority, especially when work involves electrical and mechanical components of the interior. You will need a standard set of tools that every car enthusiast usually has.
The main list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🔧 A set of sockets (ratchet) with an extension - for access to hidden fastening bolts.
- 🪛 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) - for removing decorative plugs.
- 🧤 Gloves - to avoid getting your hands dirty or damaging your skin on metal edges.
- 💡 Flashlight - to illuminate deep niches under the dashboard.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent accidental short circuits when working with energized refrigerator wiring.
Pay special attention to the condition of the fasteners. If the car is operated in harsh conditions, the bolts may become soured. Use a penetrating lubricant, but be careful not to stain the upholstery. Plastic elements Prado 150 is quite durable, but at low temperatures it is easy to break them with a sharp jerk.
Preparation of the interior and access to fasteners
The dismantling process begins with freeing up the space around the central tunnel. You will need to remove all foreign objects, including rugs and personal items, so that they do not interfere with your work. The first step is to remove the decorative trims that hide the main mounting points.
Carefully pry up the plastic plugs in the area of the gearshift lever and cup holders. They are held on by clips, so no excessive force is required. Move smoothly, listening for clicks. If the element does not budge, check if there is a hidden screw left somewhere.
Often owners forget about the lower air ducts. In some configurations Toyota Prado 150 the climate control system pipes may pass in close proximity to the refrigerator body. They must be carefully moved to the side or temporarily disconnected if the design requires complete removal of the unit.
Removing decorative panels and air ducts
At this stage it is necessary to remove the side plastic panels of the central tunnel. They are attached with self-tapping screws and plastic clips. First remove the visible screws, then gently pull the panel towards you, starting from the bottom. A characteristic click will indicate that the latch is disengaged.
After removing the side panels, access to the metal frame on which it is secured will open. cooling unit. It is important here not to damage the wiring going to the climate control and heated seat control buttons, if they are located nearby. It is better to temporarily tie the wires or bend them to the side.
If your car has a rear climate control unit installed, it will also have to be removed. It is usually held on by two to four screws. Disconnect the power supply, first remembering the position of the contacts. Do not pull the wires sharply - the connectors may be tight.
Nuances of removing air ducts
In some versions of the Prado 150, the air ducts to the rear passengers have a corrugated structure. Try not to bend them at an acute angle, so as not to disrupt the air flow in the future.
Now that access is open, inspect the fastening of the refrigerator box itself. You will see that it is integrated into the overall structure of the tunnel. In some cases, partial disassembly of the center console is required to completely remove the unit without damage.
Disconnecting the electrical part and wiring
The electrical circuit of the refrigerator in the Prado 150 is quite simple, but requires care. The main power comes through a fuse in the mounting block. Before disconnecting the connectors, make sure that the circuit is de-energized, although we have already disconnected the battery.
Find the main connector going to the compressor. It is usually located at the bottom of the unit or on the side, closer to the driver's seat. Press the connector latch and smoothly pull it towards you. If the connector does not fit, do not use force - you may not have fully pressed the plastic latch.
Also check for additional temperature sensors. They can be displayed separately. It is better to immediately mark or photograph all wiring harnesses so that there is no confusion during assembly. Electrical contacts must be clean and dry.
| Element | Location | Connection type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main connector | Bottom left | 6-pin plug | Compressor power supply |
| Temperature sensor | Inside the camera | 2-pin connector | Degree control |
| Control panel | Front top | Cable | Mode adjustment |
| Weight (GND) | On the body | M6 bolt | System grounding |
⚠️ Attention: When disconnecting the wiring, check the insulation condition. If the wires are rubbed against the metal frame, they must be restored with electrical tape or heat shrink before further operation.
Removing the compressor and the main unit
The most crucial moment is physical removal refrigeration module. It is attached to a metal frame with four bolts. Access to them may be difficult, so use a head with a universal joint or a flexible extension.
Unscrew the bolts diagonally to avoid distortion of the structure. When all fastenings are loosened, gently rock the block. It can fit tightly due to the vibration pads. You cannot remove it with a sharp jerk - you can damage the tubes or adjacent interior elements.
The weight of the block is noticeable, so it is better to carry out this operation with an assistant. One person holds the unit, the second controls the output of wires and pipes. Smoothly remove the refrigerator through the top, watching the corners so as not to catch the plastic.
☑️ Removal checklist
After removal, inspect the niche. Dust, dirt, or even traces of rodents may accumulate there if the car has been parked outdoors for a long time. Inspect the space where the new or repaired unit will be installed.
Design features and typical problems
Refrigerator Toyota Prado 150 is a compressor system, and not just a thermoelement. This means there is refrigerant and oil inside. When dismantling, it is important not to bend the copper tubes. If you are planning to repair a compressor, remember that the system is sealed.
Typical problems that owners face:
- ❄️ Failure of the thermostat - the refrigerator does not turn off or turn on.
- 🔊 Noise during operation - wear of the compressor bearings or vibration of the mount.
- 💨 Freon leak - requires professional refilling and finding the leak.
If you are removing the refrigerator to install a more powerful model or an alternative solution, make sure that the new system is compatible in size and power consumption. The standard wiring of the Prado 150 is designed for a certain load, and exceeding it can lead to melting of the contacts.
Assembly and performance check
Assembly is performed in reverse order. Place the block in place, making sure that it is seated in the guides until it stops. Tighten the mounting bolts, but do not overtighten them - the threads in aluminum cases or thin metal are easily stripped.
Connect all electrical connectors until they click. Reinstall the ductwork and decorative panels. Make sure there are no extra bolts or tools left anywhere. Only after complete assembly can you connect the battery.
Start the engine and turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for 10-15 minutes. Check for unusual sounds and evaluate cooling efficiency. If everything went well, you have completed the task.
Do you need to pump out the freon before removing it?
Yes, if you remove the compressor itself or break the tightness of the circuit, the freon must be pumped out with special equipment. You can simply remove the block without opening the tubes without pumping.
Is it possible to drive without a refrigerator?
Yes, you can. In place of the removed unit, you can install a plug or use the freed-up space for storage by covering the niche with a decorative panel.
What is the resource of a standard Prado refrigerator?
With careful operation, the compressor lasts more than 10 years. The main enemy is frequent on/off switching and overloads.
In conclusion, dismantling the refrigerator on a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 is a completely solvable task in a garage. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions, use the right tool and do not forget about the safety of electrical connections. Care when working with interior plastic will preserve the presentable appearance of your car.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and mounting patterns may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and configuration of your Prado 150. Always check the official service documentation for your specific VIN number.