dash light issue

[dinger]

Ok so I've been driving/fixing my 4runner for a few weeks now. Runs great finally. Problem is I have no dash lights, check engine light stays on (code 11), and the most recent discovery is when light switch is on my back window quits working. I have been tracking wires and researching in my (free) time. I have replaced almost every electrical component that I can. Thinking about replacing ignition switch next. Any ideas where else to look or what to try. Thanks

 

[RAD4Runner]

I have replaced almost every electrical component that I can. Thinking about replacing ignition switch next.

STOP blindly replacing components, many of which do not have anything to do with your dash lights. For example, no ignition switch will ever fix your problem.

Any ideas where else to look or what to try

Try:
1) Telling us what year model your truck is. A problem well described is a problem half-way solved.
2) Getting a multi-meter. Next to our senses, it is the most important electrical diagnostic tool.
3) Getting schematic for your truck.

(2) and (3) are like a map and a compass; No matter how much technology is available, a good hiker or sailor should always have one.

 

[dinger]

1986 22re 5speed. Got a multimeter and use it religiously. Have schematics in a Haynes manual but it doesn't show anything for the dash lights. It just shows indicator lamp. Talked to a guy at work be said possibly the panel on the back of the gauge cluster went bad. That's on my list to upgrade to the SR5 gauges but not yet. I just don't see how everything ties together

 

[RAD4Runner]

1986 22re 5speed. Got a multimeter and use it religiously. Have schematics in a Haynes manual but it doesn't show anything for the dash lights. It just shows indicator lamp. Talked to a guy at work be said possibly the panel on the back of the gauge cluster went bad. That's on my list to upgrade to the SR5 gauges but not yet. I just don't see how everything ties together

GOOD! Exactly same as mine. Good decision on NOT switching clusters yet. Don't jump from one fire into another

Tails work? If so,
Take voltage readings at dimmer rheostat. IF rheostat readings good, go to cluster rear panel.

Remember:
GREEN wire supplies 12V.
Red and black wire supplies ground.
Measure actual resistance of gnd side of rheostat to ground (usually white wire-with black stripe).

 

[dinger]

So dimmer switch went bad. Had a spare so got dash lights I think. At least got light at heater controls. But still have the other issues. I will track more wires tomorrow. No more time left today. Stupid swing shift.

 

[dinger]

Thanks RAD4runner. You've been a big help

 

[RAD4Runner]

Thanks RAD4runner. You've been a big help

Cool that you figured it out. Now, if you still have missing lights, either bulbs are bust or the traces on the cluster back panel connected to R-B wire are bad. These should be easy to fix.