high beam indicator

[hrt4me]

when I switch from low to high beam headlights on my 4Runner, there is no (blue) indicating light to let me know the high beams are on

where should I begin to start diagnosing this issue to eventually fix it?

 

[Singtoe]

I would say, replace your high beam indicator light. $3 or so.

 

[the great him]

the bulb behind the instrument cluster is probably out, you will need to pull the gauge(instrument) cluster to replace it

 

[hrt4me]

how difficult is it to pull the gauge (instrument) cluster to check the bulb?

also, the backlighting for the climate control just went out a week ago, so I presumably could also diagnose and fix that while I'm in there...?

ETA: the 4Runner has HID headlights conversion, in case that makes a difference in any of your responses in how I can diagnose and fix the (blue) indicating light for the high beams...

 

[hrt4me]

OK, after reading this website: Brighter Lights, I believe I have finally diagnosed the issue as to why my blue high beam indicator in the dash is not currently coming on; it's probably not the actual bulb itself, but rather, it is more likely due to the installation of the HID headlight conversion kit and not enough power getting back to illuminate the high beam indicator light.

Now the question becomes, how difficult will it be for me to remedy this (I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but absolutely lacking when it comes to all things electrical)?

What would be easiest for a novice like me to tackle, and also provide the best solution for the vehicle: convert the HID headlights to a switched-power setup (from switched-ground) via a relay kit on the headlights? or convert the switched-ground harness for switched-power operation (which, according to the article, is better in "flash" mode)?

 

[rjaudi]

I remember somebody with an fj cruiser putting a 1k resistor on the unused headlight connector. That allowed the hi beam indiactor to work. I need to try it sometime.

 

[hrt4me]

I remember somebody with an FJ Cruiser putting a 1k resistor on the unused headlight connector. That allowed the hi beam indicator to work. I need to try it sometime.

thanks; do you happen to have a link or anything to that mod?