This seems to be as good an opportunity and place as any to ask about an odd but very minor difference between Base and SR5 4Runners.

We own two Base models, a '99 and a 2000, and a 2000 SR5. (Three 4Runners, fourteen cylinders, all 4wd, all five speeds.)

Anyway, on the SR5, engaging the defroster does indeed engage the AC, and the little light on the AC switch is automatically turned on.

On both Base models, however, engaging the defroster also engages the AC (verified by the tach and by visual inspection of the AC's clutch), but on both of them the little light on the AC switch does not light!

Any other Base owners notice this? If it were just one of them doing this I'd suspect an electrical fault. But with both doing it? (Yes, the little light does come on when the AC button is pushed.)

It's no big thing, just a curiosity. Likely just a minor difference in the code in the chassis computer.