Help! Central locking malfunction

[4x4pilgrim]

I unlocked the truck the today and a relay in the fuse box started clicking. Now my central locking by key as well as the door lock switch function is gone, and when the doors are closed, the relay clicks. It feels like the red box labeled 'HEAD' is the one clicking.

I've disconnected the battery but that didn't fix anything when reconnected. Can I remove the relay and reconnect? If so, how do I take out a relay without breaking it? Any other suggestions on how to fix? I assume I can still drive the truck if I need to go get a part. I'm on a road trip in Santa Barbara CA so I'm working with a leather man and a small socket set.

Thanks so much for any help.

 

[IBallEngineer]

I unlocked the truck the today and a relay in the fuse box started clicking. Now my central locking by key as well as the door lock switch function is gone, and when the doors are closed, the relay clicks. It feels like the red box labeled 'HEAD' is the one clicking.

I've disconnected the battery but that didn't fix anything when reconnected. Can I remove the relay and reconnect? If so, how do I take out a relay without breaking it? Any other suggestions on how to fix? I assume I can still drive the truck if I need to go get a part. I'm on a road trip in Santa Barbara CA so I'm working with a leather man and a small socket set.

Thanks so much for any help.

You can remove the relay by prying it off the junction block, they do get a little tight, but are only held in by the connectors themselves. The real problem is if it IS the clicking relay, you won't have headlights with out it being installed. Are your headlamps working? Do you have Daytime running lights? What year is your truck?

 

[4x4pilgrim]

It's a 2001 Limited. I wasn't planning on running it without the relay; I was kindof hoping the ol' 'unplug it and plug it back in' would solve the problem. I do have daytime running lights, but losing those won't break my heart. It's 4:20 Pacific time so if I need to hit a toyota dealer, I can either do it soon or tomorrow.

So it's only the connection that holds the red relay in? I'm nervous about pulling on it with any real force for fear of breaking it, yet I don't see any clips or brackets holding it in. Thanks for the help.

 

[IBallEngineer]

It's a 2001 Limited. I wasn't planning on running it without the relay; I was kindof hoping the ol' 'unplug it and plug it back in' would solve the problem. I do have daytime running lights, but losing those won't break my heart. It's 4:20 Pacific time so if I need to hit a toyota dealer, I can either do it soon or tomorrow.
So it's only the connection that holds the red relay in? I'm nervous about pulling on it with any real force for fear of breaking it, yet I don't see any clips or brackets holding it in. Thanks for the help.

What city are you in now? oh never mind, you said you were IN SB, not going to SB.

 

[4x4pilgrim]

If it is the relay that needs replacing, can anyone recommend a good independent toyota place between Santa Barbara and Monterey? I was planning on taking the 1 up the coast, but can detour if there's a praiseworthy shop nearby.

 

[4x4pilgrim]

After removing all the relays and replacing, it appears to be the purple starter relay. I say this because the truck won't start. Doesn't even turn over. My best guess is to replace the starter relay. I'm an idiot when it comes to auto electrics. Clicking and no start should require replacement yes? Is there any shortcut that could let me limp to a dealer?

 

[BrianSD_42]

Do you think the vehicle alarm locked itself and won't start normally or is it something else?

On my 97 Limited I can override (basically a soft reset) the alarm by cycling the key all way back then forward three times (sometimes 2).

Meaning, if I locked the car with the alarm fob then lost the fob I can do this. Use the key to open the door, alarm goes off. Try to start the car with key. It does not work. Now cycle the key ALL the way front to back (2-3x) and whalllaaa the alarm will shut off and you can start the car.

 

[4x4pilgrim]

No issues with the alarm. I thought it started clicking when my wife unlocked it, but it seems that it was clicking when she walked up to it. I will try cycling the key, but I suspect it's to do with the relay. Looks like I'm going to have to avail myself of AAA in the morning.

 

[jgue467]

... I say this because the truck won't start. Doesn't even turn over...

Since it won't start and clicks (assuming you mean the starter clicks) then wouldn't that be a battery issue instead or also in addition to the other click u hear? Luck...

 

[4x4pilgrim]

Turns out it was a failed alternator. A bummer to have to deal with on a road trip but at least I found out in a city instead of it failing in the middle of the desert. Thanks all for the input.