Lights stay on

[jaxx]

Lightning seems to have struck the 4runner when it was outside during a thunderstorm.... now... the lights stay on... even when the car is off. and the switch is off.

pulled 3 fuses, one for the parking lights, 2 for the left/right lo/hi beams.

Toyota says its the ECU... its "fried" I don't see how this can be, since the ECU controls the fuel and air mixture, etc etc, and we were able to drive the truck just fine to the dealer... plus, I don't see how the ENGINE control unit has to do with lights...

any suggestions?

 

[Boaz]

take it to a different dealership.... if they tell you the same BS, call toyota and file a complaint..

 

[jaxx]

hmm... I was thinking about finding out my self and fixing it... at least knowing what the problem is.

(i think its a relay)

 

[rando]

ECU is Electronic Control Unit. There are many of them within the 4runner. The Body ECU controls the lighting IIRC. It's possible a lightning strike could have fried some or all circuitry inside. Still, there's a good chance the ECU switches a relay which ultimately switches the lights. It's possible, like you suggested, that the relay is stuck closed. Search the forums for the 03 wiring diagrams and have a look to see which components are involved.

Whatever the problem, it seems like it should be covered under warranty. After all, you can't confirm that lightning actually struck your truck can you (is there a burn mark)?

 

[jaxx]

no, no burn mark, but that seems like it is the only way it could happen.

in my car, the volvo, ecu is only engine control unit. thanks for the heads up.

I'll search for those diagrams. any idea how much the relay would be? seems like 250 for the ecu is pretty steep, plus 1.5 hours to install it.

 

[jaxx]

fried junction box. around 200 less.

thanks for the help anyways.