Hello everyone, we purchased a 2021 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium last week. I have one issue I cannot seem to figure out. The navigation screen is incredibly bright at night.

Every other car we have with a navigation system, the screen will automatically dim, go into night mode when the headlights are on. Our 21 4Runner, remains insanely bright, to the point where it is a distraction when driving at night.

I have looked through the owners manual and messed around in various screen settings without coming up with any function to turn on automatic dimming when the headlights are turned on.

For those with a 20-21 4Runner, do these vehicles have an automatically dimming multi-media system screen? If so, where is the setting located?

I greatly appreciate any input and direction.

Seems to me I had the same problem with my Toyota RAV4. The trick is to adjust the instrument light control below max brightness (or vice versa).

This is the correct answer. instrument cluster dial set to 1 click below max and it will automatically dim the nav.

I was also getting blinded by it when I picked up my 2020 TRD OR. There is a brightness and contrast setting in there in the main menu. I dont remember exactly where it is but I did find it and turn them down to their lowest setting and its a lot better.

To be able to auto dim the dashboard lights, you need to have this ~$10 mounted (Fit for Toyota Camry 89121-50020 Automatic Ambient Light Lamp Control Sensor New | eBay). Never mind it's for Camry, it will fit. For non-premium models, it does not exist but the harness is there.

If you want it to dim with darkness automatically yes, but as others have said it will dim when you turn on the headlights if the dimmer control is below its maximum “notch”.


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yep, that's what I said, for auto dim

I mean it “automatically dims” when you turn on the headlights too...which is what the OP asked about.


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"Harness is there"? Please be more specific, especially with install instructions for 5th gen 4Runner.

Does this one work on 20+? I thought I read somewhere Toyota changed the plug so the sensor everyone was using on 19s and previous no longer works.


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That part number does not work for 2020 and later

You just need to turn the dash lights brightness switch below the max- brightness click and they will dim when you turn on the head lights

You dont NEED to replace the dummy sensor with a functioning sensor but if you decide you want the infotainment to dim on its own then you can replace it with a functioning one.

See my post #316 in this thread for the correct part number.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/274513-my-$5-mod-5-mins-22.html

Page 89 of your owners manual, Section 2-> Instrument Panel Light Control
"■The brightness of the instrument panel lights
When the headlight switch is turned to on, the brightness will be reduced
slightly unless the control dial is turned fully upward."

I followed RichinRidgewood instructions here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/274513-my-$5-mod-5-mins-22.html

For me (2018 TRD OR) the space to use the trim tool was not sufficient so I used a paint can opener like this Hyde Tools 46455 Paint Can Opener - Hyde Tools but I got it from Home Depot.

One more thing, protect the dashboard with some paper when using either tool to take out the dummy plug. The dash can be scratched very easy.

Good catch, I did not know.