New owner --- few questions --- 1997 T4R

[Jemrey]

Hey All,
To start, it's been a few years since I have been here (haven't had a Toyota)... I have done a little searching on the topic(s) but haven't been successful yet.

I just bought a 97 4Runner for my son as his 1st vehicle and it has a couple of electrical quirks that I am hoping you can direct me in the right direction before I waste time in the wrong direction.

1. The light for the gear selector does not come on.
2. The light(s) for the climate control area does not come on.
3. The green ring at the ignition does not illuminate.
4. The front running lights (next to the headlights) do not come on.
5. The "reading lights" by the rearview mirror don't come on.

I am wondering if all of these could be connected (fuse?) or if I need to chase them individually. It has an aftermarket radio, and I am wondering if maybe it was installed incorrectly causing these issues. Let me know your thoughts!

6. The tailgate glass does not work from the interior switch, but it works with the key in the door. Could this be as simple as a bad interior switch?

For reference, this is a 97 SR5 Auto 4x4 with E-Locker

 

[phattyduck]

1. If the gauge cluster still illuminates, it is a bad bulb. I can't remember if it is a #74 or a 194 bulb.

2. Same as #1, though possibly different bulbs.

3. / 5. Check the Dome fuse

4. Probably bulbs, especially if tail lights and license plate lights work. 1 screw at the top, then they can be pried towards the front of the truck for replacement.

6. This could be due to bad wires that go to the hatch (in the boot between the body and the hatch).

Just tackle them one at a time (save #6 for last!).

-Charlie

 

[Jemrey]

Thanks for the reply! That's what I was thinking too since the instrument cluster illuminates normally.... I was just hoping it would be as simple as a fuse!

 

[RandyBobandy]

Make sure your window lock button on the drivers side controls isn’t on, it will also disable the rear window

 

[TrialbyDirt]

Dont do what i did

So my lights and rear window werent working when I got my t4r. I bought a new rear window regulator and motor and checked the grounds and fuses.
-To no avail.
So, I rewired from the A-pillar back. Everything worked for about 3 days then. Nothing.
Turns out that in the rear door and tail light that one of the wires was grounding itself. So, if fuses and grounds are good. check the wires themselves. If they are old they'll be stiff and possible could've broken.
My 2 cents anyways.
Good Luck