2000 Headlights killing battery?

[BoulderZJ]

Hey guys, newbie here with a 2000. I have been leaving my lights in the full on position, as they turn themselves off when you open the driver's door and remove the key (as the manual states). Well the battery has died twice today, and it's a fairly new battery. I noticed when I went to jump the 4Runner I could hear a clicking under the hood. Didn't have time to pinpoint it. I then discovered that if I turn the lights to the off position, the clicking stops (it can be lightly heard from inside the cabin as well). Any idea what's up here? Are the headlights still drawing power even though the auto function has turned them off? Any help would be appreciated.

-J

 

[Mark86]

Welcome to the board. Your problem sounds weird. I leave my light on the on position too and I never had a problem like that. Mine go off after 30 seconds and my truck starts right away. First off, how old is the battery? When you open the driver door, do you check to make sure all of the lights go out? I don't know what else can be causing this. If the lights go off, then I don't think it has anything to do with that. It could be a bad battery.

 

[BoulderZJ]

Well, your auto off system is completely different from mine I'd guess. Yes, the lights actually turn off, dashboard and exterior. I'm stumped. I'm going to see what happens by manually turning off the lights for the next few days, and maybe have the charging system checked. Battery is brand new from the dealer.

If anyone else has any similar experience, feel free to throw it at me. Thanks Mark.

 

[peter78]

I know when I have a low battery the starter sometimes starts that clicking sound when to try to start the car. Then when I jump it, the starter starts right up and there is no clicking sound.

It sounds to me like it is a low battery, maybe when you start up, some of the power goes to the lights and since you have a low battery, the started clicks.

My 2001 still has the same battery and I have day time running lights. Is your battery original or is a replacement?