Dash lights don't work, not the usual suspects...

[clanofwolves]

So I replaced the dying stereo (with factory CD and AMP) and speakers (pretty good shape but stiff; with a new Kenwood and when I was done, the lights on the dash and heater area don't work.

So, as usual, I checked the fuses that seem related, all good.

I checked the dimmer switch (as far as position) and it wasn't that (didn't pull/check the rheostat though)

Checked the 4Runner Forums and found the above two mentioned a few times.

Help.

Thanks.

 

[IBallEngineer]

So I replaced the dying stereo (with factory CD and AMP) and speakers (pretty good shape but stiff; with a new Kenwood and when I was done, the lights on the dash and heater area don't work.

So, as usual, I checked the fuses that seem related, all good.

I checked the dimmer switch (as far as position) and it wasn't that (didn't pull/check the rheostat though)

Checked the 4Runner Forums and found the above two mentioned a few times.

Help.

Thanks.

What does it mean when you say "I checked"? And which fuse specifically?

Do you know if your tail lamps still operate?

Power for dash illumination goes from the tail lamp relay through the tail lamp fuse(10 A in the engine bay fuse block). Then after a junction, it goes to the rheostat which then regulates the GROUND side of the lamp circuit for all the applicable bulbs.

Here is the EWD for the 2002.

http://tacoma.site40.net/4Runner_96-02_Repair&Wiring/techinfo.toyota.com/ileaf/ewdtmc2/ewdtmpdf/ewdsourc/2002/024runne/systemci/025ill.pdf

 

[clanofwolves]

So the tail light fuse was blown (it wasn't when I first checked it unless I was dreaming or looking at the wrong fuse...uggg. Anyway, it wasn't a bad fuse, for the replacement blew also. I'm going to pull the center dash surround and check the wiring to see if anything is damaged and look over the new radio harness connections too. I don't think following the wiring colors for the new harness could cause an issue, as the radio and it's illumination seem to work exactly as designed.....

I'll keep chasing.

Thanks!!

 

[gt350pilot]

Any luck finding the issue? I drove my wife's 4runner tonight and seem to be having the same issue. Popping fuses for the taillights as well. I also recently installed a new stereo. Only difference is that I also installed a backup camera. I suspect that may have something to do with my issue but thought I would look at other issues as well.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cassssias]

Hey Guys,
Also new here and am having similar issues with my 2nd gen, the fuse for the tail lights, dash lights, and the little alarm thing (which is supposed to go off with an annoying high pitched tone when you open the door to get out of the car but your lights are still switched on), keeps blowing, often times seconds after putting a new one in. It does seem to get worse when the roads have been wet, but still happens when dry. It came with a 15A in there, this fuse is near all the pedals, not under the hood like it sounds like it is for other generations...
I know there is some sort of issue with the whole switch assembly behind the steering wheel (brights won't turn on when light switch is pushed back, in fact this action turns normal headlights off, but will turn on when pulled towards driver, like to flash someone, unfortunately will not stay on unless switch is held towards you.) So I haven't quite had the time to trace wiring from the tail lights and everything going to that fuse to see if there is a short along the way, but how likely do we think it is that the problem traces back to that big switch assembly behind the steering wheel? I have been trying to avoid replacing it due to cost and hassle. What was the issue with for other posters here?

 

[davidch]

Do you have the Toyota trailer hitch & wiring harness? (Usually installed at the port of entry rather than the factory.)

 

[cassssias]

Good question, I am guessing not... I have only had my truck for about a month now but it seems it was a pretty basic package originally, then one of the guys who owned it before me added a lot on to it, and often not in the most sensible ways. How might that affect why tail light issue though?

 

[spartacus]

Hey Guys,
Also new here and am having similar issues with my 2nd gen, the fuse for the tail lights, dash lights, and the little alarm thing (which is supposed to go off with an annoying high pitched tone when you open the door to get out of the car but your lights are still switched on), keeps blowing, often times seconds after putting a new one in. It does seem to get worse when the roads have been wet, but still happens when dry. It came with a 15A in there, this fuse is near all the pedals, not under the hood like it sounds like it is for other generations...
I know there is some sort of issue with the whole switch assembly behind the steering wheel (brights won't turn on when light switch is pushed back, in fact this action turns normal headlights off, but will turn on when pulled towards driver, like to flash someone, unfortunately will not stay on unless switch is held towards you.) So I haven't quite had the time to trace wiring from the tail lights and everything going to that fuse to see if there is a short along the way, but how likely do we think it is that the problem traces back to that big switch assembly behind the steering wheel? I have been trying to avoid replacing it due to cost and hassle. What was the issue with for other posters here

I am assuming it's a typo when you say 2nd gen t4r.
here is a link that could help http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/86511-2001-4rl-lost-tail-lights-dash-panel-light.html

 

[TheDurk]

Guys, this is the 3rd Gen forum. I help a lot on electrical in here, but I don't even have the wiring diagrams for the 2nd gens. Suggest you try that forum.

 

[Unclefixthis]

same problems as everyone else

New to the forum but joined based on this thread. Same problems with dash and tail lights intermittently going out. this is on my niece's 2000 4runner sr5 i believe. I've done some of the checks and accidentally fixed it once just by unplugging stuff and plugging back in. Now my sister and niece think that I know how to fix their vehicles and turn to me every time there is a problem. I also have a 1996 Tacoma with similar issues (brights don't turn on when lever is pushed forward, it actually turns off the light but works when lever is held back) so I figure I might as well accept my reluctant mechanic role and learn a few things. I'm going to brush up on my multi-meter skill and how to test relays and fuses (i always forget) go back and check fuses and the tow package wiring before asking any additional questions. So I'll talk to you later and thanks beforehand.

 

[RodrickHeffley]

New to the forum but joined based on this thread. Same problems with dash and tail lights intermittently going out. this is on my niece's 2000 4runner sr5 i believe. I've done some of the checks and accidentally fixed it once just by unplugging stuff and plugging back in. Now my sister and niece think that I know how to fix their vehicles and turn to me every time there is a problem. I also have a 1996 Tacoma with similar issues (brights don't turn on when lever is pushed forward, it actually turns off the light but works when lever is held back) so I figure I might as well accept my reluctant mechanic role and learn a few things. I'm going to brush up on my multi-meter skill and how to test relays and fuses (i always forget) go back and check fuses and the tow package wiring before asking any additional questions. So I'll talk to you later and thanks beforehand.

make sure the dimmer rheostat is good and working