13' SR5 - Radio Backlight Issue

[Jayhawk5G]

So I finally have a problem with my 4Runner after 4 years of ownership and 55k miles. The radio backlight has started intermittently turning off while the radio is on... the radio keeps playing but the display and button lights shut completely off. Sometimes it's just once, sometimes it flashes a bit.

I tried to search but just kept finding threads asking for brighter radio lights so you can see the display through sunglasses on a bright day. So anyone else have this happen? I'm obviously out of my bumper to bumper, and hoping it may just be a connection that has come loose.

 

[patmcroo]

did you ever figure this one out? I am having the same problem with mine.

 

[CentcomPete]

I had the same issue and others with my 2013 factory head-unit. The below was from another forum member named "RigTec":

Question: Have you updated the factory HU firmware yet? My (NON) JBL hu used to give me all manor of trouble until I updated the software; I think the original software was 7.02, but the newer one is 5.1.0 Here's a link to get you the O.S. that works:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2126349-post11.html

The original OS never worked right; there was even a T-SB (Technical Service Bulletin) because it had too many anomalies and was hurting Toyota's sales! Here's that post:

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/1793729-post17.html

...And here's the FULL post that contained the "Entune Update":

A New version of "Entune" is available!

Perhaps try that first; it worked for me and many others! BTW: Just because your 4Runner is a 2013, doesn't mean that the HU contained the latest OS at the time you 4R was built... the hu was sitting on a shelf in the parts room in Japan, and was grabbed when it came to install it. So you likely have and older version of Entune!

I'd give the update a shot (takes ten minutes and it's free) before I'd spend your hard earned cash just to fix a problem if it just needs a downlosd..., yeah? Please let me know how you make out! 'Best to you',