Headlights aren't working .. Just the "flash" tried the bulb, fuses, stalk, now what?

[raulb21]

Headlights aren't working .. Just the "flash" tried the bulb, fuses, stalk, now what?

I have a super frustrating and now important issue as I'm driving out of state very soon. I have a '99 Limited 4Runner. My headlights have not been working since I did an engine rebuild. Neither the high or low beams work. Just the manual flash. I've looked through everything and can't find any ides. Seeing as this is usually the first question asked, my 4runner does not have DRL. I tried the headlamp relay, nope. Bulbs, nope. Assumed the worst and bought a stalk and NOPE. During the rebuild I didn't even (to my knowledge) mess with the headlights. So is there a ground I can look at next? If this helps, as I turn the switch on the stalk to the first position (no headlights but dash lights) I hear a "click" in the fuse box. I do not hear this click for the headlights. Any help is MUCH appreciated. I've been avoiding driving at night but now I can't.

 

[phattyduck]

If the flash-to-pass function works, you have verified most parts of the system - the HEAD relay, the two HEAD fuses, and most of the wiring.

Did you do anything with your gauge cluster? For all but 'flash-to-pass' settings, the relay trigger runs through it to allow for the auto-off function of the headlights. That's where I suspect the problem lies.

-Charlie

 

[raulb21]

If the flash-to-pass function works, you have verified most parts of the system - the HEAD relay, the two HEAD fuses, and most of the wiring.

Did you do anything with your gauge cluster? For all but 'flash-to-pass' settings, the relay trigger runs through it to allow for the auto-off function of the headlights. That's where I suspect the problem lies.

-Charlie

That's where I've been starting to get a little worried. We had talked on other threads, I swapped a 4x4 transmission during the rebuild so in doing so I swapped the gauge cluster and the ECU for the 4x4 engine control. I had to get that flashed for the immobilizer to recognize my key. What would I have to do about the cluster?

 

[phattyduck]

The cluster shouldn't need to be programmed or anything. Is there anything else on the truck not working that might be another clue?

Do the parking lights and interior lights work as expected? (including the auto-off of the headlights/parking lights)

Also, you may want to swap to your original cluster to see if that fixes the issue.

-Charlie

 

[TheDurk]

You can by-pass the auto-off circuit in the cluster and get your headlights back, with no more auto-off, of course. This will also confirm the cluster is the issue which looks pretty likely.

Post back if you want to know which wires to jump.

 

[IBallEngineer]

You can by-pass the auto-off circuit in the cluster and get your headlights back, with no more auto-off, of course. This will also confirm the cluster is the issue which looks pretty likely.

Post back if you want to know which wires to jump.

Please listen to El Durko, since I've been mostly inactive he is da man.

:cheer2:

 

[TheDurk]

Please listen to El Durko, since I've been mostly inactive he is da man.

:cheer2:

You are missed, IBall. Where have you been?

 

[IBallEngineer]

You are missed, IBall. Where have you been?

I have been doing some restorations, mine and others', since I wasn't renewed as the High School Autobody instructor. I am currently winding up a gig installing electronic access door hardware, hoping to start a new teaching contract in August. This time I'll be teaching Automotive Service and Diagnostics, still High school level. My son just got a 2000 sport 4wd with Elocker and he is excited to get it trail worthy so I figured I would get back in the groove. We now have 4 3rd gens in the family, I might have had a little influence. Good to see you are still here showing 'em how to do the fun stuff! I'll try to help out as I can!

 

[mrojas]

Was there a solution for this? I have the exact same problem

 

[raulb21]

Was there a solution for this? I have the exact same problem

I installed a new cluster that solved the problem. Since it was a conversion, and the one I got from the donor didn’t work, I had to source a working one as my previous (working) one was for 2WD. They’re mostly the same except there’s a 4WD indicator. They do vary for Limited/SR5/Base models and drastically for the 3rd gen years so that’s something to consider as well if replacing.