Dashboard lights/headlights/taillights stay on after key is out.

[Rebel_way]

HI there.
I got a problem fighting some gremlins in my 4runner 98. I turn of the engine and pull out the key, but some of the dashboard lights stay on and headlights stay on and sometimes tailing lights stay on. Tryed pulling out different relays, disconnecting ignition switch the only thing helps is disconnecting the battery.
Any ideas?

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Does it have a remote start in it? If so, unplug the main ignition harness on that and see what happens. I've been installing for close to 20 years, I've seen some crazy stuff happen when old systems fail.

 

[Rebel_way]

Thanks for reply.
No it doesn't have remote start. It had alarm but was deleted long time ago because it was misbehaving. It started out of nowhere. I thought that the ignition lock cylinder might be a problem because it was sticking and didn't want to turn so I replaced it but the lights problem is still there but now at least it starts good.

 

[Rebel_way]

problem solved.
Started pulling fuses from a fuse box one by one to see if anything would go off. After some time I came up to alternators 7.5a fuse and pulled it out.
headlights and dashboard turned off. Opened a fuse box and wire harness and traced wires from the fuse? some time after i came upor broken insolation in some of the wires I was following and fixed it. Everything went back to normal.

 

[BCs300z]

problem solved.
Started pulling fuses from a fuse box one by one to see if anything would go off. After some time I came up to alternators 7.5a fuse and pulled it out.
headlights and dashboard turned off. Opened a fuse box and wire harness and traced wires from the fuse? some time after i came upor broken insolation in some of the wires I was following and fixed it. Everything went back to normal.

I am working on a 2K 4runner for a friend and having this EXACT same problem. Except, the only relief is by pulling the "GAUGE" or "ECU-IG" fuse. Either one will de-power the truck. I have traced, replaced, and swapped many things and nothing seems to fix. I have tried unplugging just about everything in the circuit(s) and still, power remains if I reinsert the fuse. Any thoughts?
BC

 

[kukablack]

I have 2014 4runner with exact issue. Going to open fuse box and see if any wire issue going on.

 

[TheSaturnV]

I have tried unplugging just about everything in the circuit(s) and still, power remains if I reinsert the fuse. Any thoughts?
BC

Have a good look at anywhere that wire harness pass through a door or the rear tailgate. You know, all the bendy points. I just found 3 completely broken wires going into my tailgate.

Also, take a look under the driver's door sill cover. Sometimes previous owners run some jake-leg wiring setups under there.

 

[Ezroller]

I am working on a 2K 4runner for a friend and having this EXACT same problem. Except, the only relief is by pulling the "GAUGE" or "ECU-IG" fuse. Either one will de-power the truck. I have traced, replaced, and swapped many things and nothing seems to fix. I have tried unplugging just about everything in the circuit(s) and still, power remains if I reinsert the fuse. Any thoughts?
BC

I'm having the exact same issue. Solutions anyone?

 

[Riceye]

Mine stay on until the driver's door is opened.