I cannot seem to dim the navigation screen on our 2021 4Runner

[jmc8387]

Hello everyone, we purchased a 2021 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium last week. I have one issue I cannot seem to figure out. The navigation screen is incredibly bright at night.

Every other car we have with a navigation system, the screen will automatically dim, go into night mode when the headlights are on. Our 21 4Runner, remains insanely bright, to the point where it is a distraction when driving at night.

I have looked through the owners manual and messed around in various screen settings without coming up with any function to turn on automatic dimming when the headlights are turned on.

For those with a 20-21 4Runner, do these vehicles have an automatically dimming multi-media system screen? If so, where is the setting located?

I greatly appreciate any input and direction.

 

[fkheath]

Seems to me I had the same problem with my Toyota RAV4. The trick is to adjust the instrument light control below max brightness (or vice versa).

 

[jizzle]

Seems to me I had the same problem with my Toyota RV4. The trick is to adjust the instrument light control below max brightness (or vice versa).

This is the correct answer. instrument cluster dial set to 1 click below max and it will automatically dim the nav.

 

[eriktp]

Hello everyone, we purchased a 2021 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium last week. I have one issue I cannot seem to figure out. The navigation screen is incredibly bright at night.

Every other car we have with a navigation system, the screen will automatically dim, go into night mode when the headlights are on. Our 21 4Runner, remains insanely bright, to the point where it is a distraction when driving at night.

I have looked through the owners manual and messed around in various screen settings without coming up with any function to turn on automatic dimming when the headlights are turned on.

For those with a 20-21 4Runner, do these vehicles have an automatically dimming multi-media system screen? If so, where is the setting located?

I greatly appreciate any input and direction.

I was also getting blinded by it when I picked up my 2020 TRD OR. There is a brightness and contrast setting in there in the main menu. I dont remember exactly where it is but I did find it and turn them down to their lowest setting and its a lot better.

 

[TodiN]

To be able to auto dim the dashboard lights, you need to have this ~$10 mounted (Fit for Toyota Camry 89121-50020 Automatic Ambient Light Lamp Control Sensor New | eBay). Never mind it's for Camry, it will fit. For non-premium models, it does not exist but the harness is there.

 

[rightyouareken]

To be able to auto dim the dashboard lights, you need to have this ~$10 mounted (Fit for Toyota Camry 89121-50020 Automatic Ambient Light Lamp Control Sensor New | eBay). Never mind it's for Camry, it will fit. For non-premium models, it does not exist but the harness is there.

If you want it to dim with darkness automatically yes, but as others have said it will dim when you turn on the headlights if the dimmer control is below its maximum “notch”.


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[TodiN]

If you want it to dim with darkness automatically yes, but as others have said it will dim when you turn on the headlights if the dimmer control is below its maximum “notch”.


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yep, that's what I said, for auto dim op2:op2:op2:

 

[rightyouareken]

yep, that's what I said, for auto dim op2:op2:op2:

I mean it “automatically dims” when you turn on the headlights too...which is what the OP asked about.


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[fkheath]

To be able to auto dim the dashboard lights, you need to have this ~$10 mounted (Fit for Toyota Camry 89121-50020 Automatic Ambient Light Lamp Control Sensor New | eBay). Never mind it's for Camry, it will fit. For non-premium models, it does not exist but the harness is there.

"Harness is there"? Please be more specific, especially with install instructions for 5th gen 4Runner.

 

[Area52]

To be able to auto dim the dashboard lights, you need to have this ~$10 mounted (Fit for Toyota Camry 89121-50020 Automatic Ambient Light Lamp Control Sensor New | eBay). Never mind it's for Camry, it will fit. For non-premium models, it does not exist but the harness is there.

Does this one work on 20+? I thought I read somewhere Toyota changed the plug so the sensor everyone was using on 19s and previous no longer works.


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[RichinRidgewood]

To be able to auto dim the dashboard lights, you need to have this ~$10 mounted (Fit for Toyota Camry 89121-50020 Automatic Ambient Light Lamp Control Sensor New | eBay). Never mind it's for Camry, it will fit. For non-premium models, it does not exist but the harness is there.

That part number does not work for 2020 and later

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Hello everyone, we purchased a 2021 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium last week. I have one issue I cannot seem to figure out. The navigation screen is incredibly bright at night.

Every other car we have with a navigation system, the screen will automatically dim, go into night mode when the headlights are on. Our 21 4Runner, remains insanely bright, to the point where it is a distraction when driving at night.

I have looked through the owners manual and messed around in various screen settings without coming up with any function to turn on automatic dimming when the headlights are turned on.

For those with a 20-21 4Runner, do these vehicles have an automatically dimming multi-media system screen? If so, where is the setting located?

I greatly appreciate any input and direction.

You just need to turn the dash lights brightness switch below the max- brightness click and they will dim when you turn on the head lights

You dont NEED to replace the dummy sensor with a functioning sensor but if you decide you want the infotainment to dim on its own then you can replace it with a functioning one.

See my post #316 in this thread for the correct part number.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/274513-my-$5-mod-5-mins-22.html

 

[jhguth]

I have looked through the owners manual

Page 89 of your owners manual, Section 2-> Instrument Panel Light Control
"■The brightness of the instrument panel lights
When the headlight switch is turned to on, the brightness will be reduced
slightly unless the control dial is turned fully upward."

 

[TodiN]

"Harness is there"? Please be more specific, especially with install instructions for 5th gen 4Runner.

I followed RichinRidgewood instructions here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/274513-my-$5-mod-5-mins-22.html

For me (2018 TRD OR) the space to use the trim tool was not sufficient so I used a paint can opener like this Hyde Tools 46455 Paint Can Opener - Hyde Tools but I got it from Home Depot.

One more thing, protect the dashboard with some paper when using either tool to take out the dummy plug. The dash can be scratched very easy.

 

[TodiN]

That part number does not work for 2020 and later

Good catch, I did not know.

 

[blschaefer1]

Good catch, I did not know.

Different part number for newer model years - 8912130020.

Just did mine last week (2020 ORP). Works great.

 

[aalbertson3]

It also helps switching the background theme to one of the black options. The white background was way too bright and looked cheap imo.

 

[biratley]

Hello everyone, we purchased a 2021 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium last week. I have one issue I cannot seem to figure out. The navigation screen is incredibly bright at night.



Every other car we have with a navigation system, the screen will automatically dim, go into night mode when the headlights are on. Our 21 4Runner, remains insanely bright, to the point where it is a distraction when driving at night.



I have looked through the owners manual and messed around in various screen settings without coming up with any function to turn on automatic dimming when the headlights are turned on.



For those with a 20-21 4Runner, do these vehicles have an automatically dimming multi-media system screen? If so, where is the setting located?



I greatly appreciate any input and direction.

Go to the wheel for the dash lights on the left side of stirring wheel. Roll it just below the “click” down from full bright , thats night mode for the navi screen on my 19


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[Dollar Retriever]

Yes. The new vehicles before delivery(the day you pick up your new car), they will do a full check for the vehicle. As the standard they will turn on the dash board brightness to the highest. But majority of them always forget to switch it back to normal(under the ‘clique’ level). Some of Toyota owners had at least 1 or 2 glare-nights before they found the brightness adjustment switch.


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[d4runs]

Don’t mean to revive an old thread but also had this question.

The brightness can be further adjusted through the onscreen menu separate from the instrument cluster brightness dial. It wasn’t where I expected though.

On my 2021, Press physical Menu button, tap Display in lower right corner and you’ll have the display controls. Images below.

Unfortunately you cannot turn off the screen with your voice like some vehicles.