Headlights randomly turning on 98 4Runner

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Did a quick search and found similar but all were 10 years old.

I have a 98 4Runner SR5.. I came out from work this evening, and the car was Dead.. I figured ok Bad battery.. replaced the battery and while doing so the Headlights turned on. I thought that was odd, went into the cab and turned them off. Only to have them turn back on while I was tightening down the cables and completing the battery swap. I started keeping an eye on it and the lights just randomly come on.. I am able to turn them back off 1 of 2 ways... via the stalk or using the keyfob.. only to have them randomly pop back on at some point.

Things worth noting.. the lights come on and do not light the dashboard when on.. so inside the vehicle you do not know they are on unless you see the reflection. Also does not matter if the vehicle is on or off as it has happened either way.

I did take note of a clicking noise when swapping the battery near the fuse box. I checked the fuses corresponding with the headlights and they are all good.

This may have been what killed my battery.. and the only temp solution I can think of is to disconnect the battery cable..

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[TheDurk]

I see only one possibility on a non-DRL system, a defective stalk switch. For the lights to come on while key is off, TWO things have to happen: the head relay, controlled by the stalk switch, has to energize to provide 12V+ to one side of the bulb, and ground, also controlled by the stalk switch, has to be applied to the other side of the bulb. Only the stalk switch can make both happen and no other point of fail can do both.

Aftermarket wiring such as an alarm connected to the lights, if it exists, means all bets are off and becomes the first suspect.

 

[rallypoint_1]

I had almost the same issue. Headlights would turn on and off while the dash lights were still on. Replaced the turn signal stalk...problem solved.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Ok, so next question.. any part number to reference for the headlight stalk?
Ease of replacement?

I'll dig around some and see what I can pull up.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

So it appears as if installation is pretty simple.
I just want to confirm the part# to make sure I am getting the right thing.

 

[TheDurk]

Need info on your rig, including whether you have factory fogs. It's not a difficult job.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Need info on your rig, including whether you have factory fogs. It's not a difficult job.

No Fogs, just tilt steering.. which is standard I believe. 98 SR5

 

[TheDurk]

No Fogs, just tilt steering.. which is standard I believe. 98 SR5

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Part-84140-26140-SWITCH-HEADLAM/dp/B01EAZ0Y42

Headlamp Dimmer Switch
Part Number: 84140-06010

Replaces: 84140-44010, 84140-26140

It looks like that link is a bargain, because if you use the current p/n you get:

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-84140-06010-Headlamp-Assembly/dp/B00G0OM8Q4

or

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com/?p=catalog&mode=search&search_in=all&search_str=84140-26140

or it may be that it is not in fact OEM. Rockauto has a few aftermarket brands for $45-$60.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Ok, gonna give it a go.. will be back in a few days once I can get it installed.

Wish me luck!

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Headlight switch/relay stalk replaced.. took all of 10 min to do.
So far so good.. will keep an eye on it.