Daytime Running Lights

[snowjay]

I agree and that appears to be the case with the 4runner. The only caveat is that some parts require there own harness.

Example:

1) The wiring for the autodimming mirror isn't in the truck because that harness is used exclusively for the mirror. Leaving it out doesn't require Toyota to make a different harness. They just omit it completely.

2) Wiring for the light sensor isn't in the truck. Instead there is a junction block (fancy name for a connector) where the solar sensor and light sensor connect. For non Limited and non DRL models, only a 2 wire harness connecting the solar sensor to the j/b is in the truck.

And for what it's worth, the assumption is not strictly true. I've seen cars that DO have different harnesses based on trim levels. In those cases perhaps the harnesses had uses in other platforms that justified their existence in the manufacturers parts bin.

It's not uncommon to have different harnesses for different trim levels as some options are not available in certain levels so they can save money on manufacturing costs. Within the same level it all the harnesses should be the same as it's easier for the assembly line worker to grab an SR5 harness rather than a Limited but it would be alot harder for him to find the harness that has fog lights, but not the sunroof or the JBL but does have the nav system...

As for the autodimming mirror. It only comes standard on Limited models so all the wiring may be built in, but on the SR5 and Sport you need to splice in under the dash (there is no connector or junction block for it to connec to). Makes me wonder what a factory ordered SR5/Sport autodim harness looks like... or if they are all just port installed using the splicing method.

 

[jharris2]

Re: Electrical Plugs

Just thought I`d mention this.
Most car manufactures put all the plugs in there vehicles during assembly regardless of what options there is eg. foglights, power windows, daytime running lights. Companies do this to reduce the cost of manufacturing by having one wiring harness instead of a wack of different ones. So if you want something like foglights you just need to buy the switches, relays and lights, and then plug them in. VOILA!

If only life were so easy and everything were so logical.....

The service manager at my dealership was telling me recently that someone ripped out the instrument cluster on a 2002 model 4Runner on the lot. He said the thief cut the wires.....turns out there are 27 (no kidding!!) different possible wiring harnesses to connect that instrument cluster to the truck. So, they were trying to figure out how to pick the right wiring harness without ordering them all.

Some things may be prewired, others may not. Mine, for example, does not have fog lights and they are not prewired. Reason -- cost of the wiring harnesses is $600 each. Yes, it would be cheaper for Toyota to get the harness, but they have to determine whether it is less expensive to have multiple harnesses or to make all the vehicles the same. If they prewired everything, then word would get out, more people would buy the lower trim (read: lower profit) models and then buy aftermarket parts to "upgrade" to higher trim models.

 

[snowjay]

Re: Re: Electrical Plugs

If only life were so easy and everything were so logical.....

The service manager at my dealership was telling me recently that someone ripped out the instrument cluster on a 2002 model 4Runner on the lot. He said the thief cut the wires.....turns out there are 27 (no kidding!!) different possible wiring harnesses to connect that instrument cluster to the truck. So, they were trying to figure out how to pick the right wiring harness without ordering them all.

Some things may be prewired, others may not. Mine, for example, does not have fog lights and they are not prewired. Reason -- cost of the wiring harnesses is $600 each. Yes, it would be cheaper for Toyota to get the harness, but they have to determine whether it is less expensive to have multiple harnesses or to make all the vehicles the same. If they prewired everything, then word would get out, more people would buy the lower trim (read: lower profit) models and then buy aftermarket parts to "upgrade" to higher trim models.

The cost for you is $600, Toyota probably pays about $6. The physical fog light harness may not exist on the truck but there is probably a connector somewhere on the main harness where it plugs into. We can't get accessory and the main harnesses confused. I'm sure there are alot of cluster harnesses for a vehicle, depending what guages they have, warning lights, std or auto etc... but they probably all have a common connector where they tie into the main harness. I know lots of people who own Dodge trucks that added fog lights buy plugging in the harness, relay and installing a switch (dash wiring for switch was there, underhood wiring needed to be installed). It's nothing new to people that things might be prewired... why do you think buying the accessories after the fact are so expensive?

 

[rando]

OK, so I think we are saying the same thing or nearly the same thing. In the end, I believe it comes down to economics. I don't presume to know how Toyota's assembly lines are configured nor all of the factors that go into their decision to make one or many harnesses.

 

[rando]

Update: I did a closer study of the shop manuals today. I belive you can get DRLs without the light sensor. You just need to replace your flasher relay with the DRL variant. This probably explains why the DRLs were a fairly cheap option.

To do the auto/on headlights you'll still need the dimmer switch and the light sensor and then you'll have to run 3 wires down to the IG1 connector at the top of the dash.

Yosmany at yotatech has the parts and should soon be able to verify if this works. I'll keep you all updated.

 

[Mark86]

Thanks for all of the updates! I am very interested in enabling this option! Why doesn't Toyota get with the modern times? Offer power seats and automatic headlights on all models! :jester:

 

[rando]

Oh I'm with you there. Don't forget standard lighted vanity mirrors, standard autodimming mirrors and leather as an option.

Might as well give you the chance to get the supercharger as an option too.

 

[Mark86]

rando, I forgot about all of those. You are 100% right. I got an autodimming mirror like the Limited, but it took a little work to find one that is a Toyota part and fits the 4Runner. :rocker:

 

[gregtay]

OK, so I think we are saying the same thing or nearly the same thing. In the end, I believe it comes down to economics. I don't presume to know how Toyota's assembly lines are configured nor all of the factors that go into their decision to make one or many harnesses.

Please let us know. I almost bought the flasher relay to try it out.. but i will wait and see what you come up with.

 

[rando]

gregtay, if you just want DRLs, you only need the flasher relay. I have no plans to try this since I'm not interested in DRLs.

I'm really looking for towards the auto/on headlights. To get those, you need the light sensor and the limited dimmer switch. This will also REQUIRE some minor custom wiring since the SR5/Sport harness for the sensor is different from the Limited harness.

 

[gregtay]

gregtay, if you just want DRLs, you only need the flasher relay. I have no plans to try this since I'm not interested in DRLs.

I'm really looking for towards the auto/on headlights. To get those, you need the light sensor and the limited dimmer switch. This will also REQUIRE some minor custom wiring since the SR5/Sport harness for the sensor is different from the Limited harness.

Sweetness. thx. When i purchased my truck i was really glad it didn't have the DRL's... typically i think they are lame (when they are your headlights).. but i really like how Toyota used the flashers.. looks good... and i guess it does make you more visable.

 

[rando]

To do the auto/on headlights you'll still need the dimmer switch and the light sensor and then you'll have to run 3 wires down to the IG1 connector at the top of the dash.

Yosmany at yotatech has the parts and should soon be able to verify if this works. I'll keep you all updated.

Yosmany graciously dontated his Limited dimmer and Light sensor to me (at his cost ... a substantial savings). I installed everything, after constructing a custom harness, and it works. I now have auto on/off headlights.

Parts required
1) LIMITED DIMMER 84140-35150
2) LIGHT SENSOR 89121-12010
3) Custom 3-wire harness & connector to fit light sensor

Optional parts
A39 ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR 90980-11107

I had to create a custom harness (3 wires) for the sensor. I found that one of the old style (large) CDROM-Audio connectors fit nicely into the sensor (the connector listed in the parts above is the factory connector but I'm not sure if it includes the pins). I removed the pins from the CDROM connector and soldered on some larger wire and then put the connector back together. Next, I spliced the 3 wires into the harness behind the instrument panel, using t-splice taps (snap on). I wraped the taps with foam (don't want any rattles) and then zip tied my new harness to the existing solar sensor wire.

Once the light sensor dummy plug was removed (tough to reach but doable without removing anything more than the instrument panel) I dropped in the new sensor and hooked it up. Next I removed my factory dimmer switch (2 screws and a wire connector) and installed the Limited dimmer.

At this point I reattached the battery and fired up the truck. It was already dark out and the lights came on immediately when I set the dimmer to Auto. I grabbed a shop light and held it directly over the sensor. In about 15 seconds the headlights went off. I removed the shop light and the headlights came back on after a few more seconds. Everything else works as before. In all an easy mod!

 

[rando]

Standard Dimmer (left), Limited Dimmer (right), Light Sensor (bottom by Yosmany@Yotatech)

 

[rando]

Location in dash. The taped (yellow) wire bundle is my make-shift harness for the light sensor. The white connector nearby is where it needs to attach.

 

[rando]

Close up of the wiring. The RED arrows show where the factory (limited) wiring would connect into the 3 empty holes in the back of the connector. The pink and purple wires you see, already connected, are the factory wires to the solar sensor. On the Limited there would be 3 wires instead of 2 (limited has dual solar sensor for the dual zone climate control).

The GREEN arrow shows the wire bundle that I spliced into with the T-Tap snap-on connectors.

 

[Mark86]

rando, I think mine already has the sensor because I have DRL's. What do I have to order to enable the auto on headlights (anything different than you ordered without DRL)?. Do I only have to get the dimmer switch? Thanks for your detailed information!

 

[rando]

Mark86, The DRLs DO NOT need the light sensor. You can tell from the outside, if you have it or not. From outside the truck, look down at the front of the dash, near the driver's side. There is a spot for two sensors there. The first one (the closer of the two to the driver's door) is the solar sensor. The other one is the light sensor, the one we care about. The dummy light sensor has a concave (caved inwards toward dash) top. The real light sensor is convex and looks similar to the solar sensor.

Assuming you have it (and you probably DO NOT), then you only need to upgrade to the Limited dimmer switch. Just remove the steering column trim (3 screws) and then your current dimmer switch (2 more screws and 1 wire connector).

 

[Mark86]

Rando, you are right. I do not have the sensor. I was mistaking it for the solar sensor. I will think about doing this mod because is it really worth the money to turn on your lights at dusk? It is cool to have, but for the money, I can just remember to turn them at dark or just leave them on all of the time! I am impressed that you were able to do it an make it work though!

 

[rando]

Yep, it's probably not worth the money (about $200 for the parts), though it's much cheaper to add than buying a Limited. I had the feature on my 02 Exploder and really liked it. Too bad it didn't last but 6 weeks before it fell apart. But that's another story.

 

[dcampen]

Daytime Running Light

UPDATE: You don't need the sensor for DRLs. Just the flasher.

So, just to confirm, if I want DRL on my truck all I have to do is go to Partznet and order:

TURN SIGNAL flasher, 4-Runner, w/DRL 2003 $40.58 $31.65
Electrical - Chassis electrical - flashers - Turn signal flasher

Has anyone actually ordered this part from Partznet and done this?