No Interior Lights In The Front Seat For The Driver ??

[Maz]

Having decided I didn't care for the 2010 styling and extra size / weight, I purchased a new 2009 Runner (Sport 4X4). It's been great, really great but there is one thing that is driving me crazy and seems a real mystery. There is an overhead light above the second row and on the ceiling near the back door that come on and turn off after about 10 seconds of closing the door, or when you use the key and start the engine. However there doesn't seem to be any interior lights for the front row that come on when you open the doors.

There are the two map lights that provide a nice amount of light when you push them up, but they don't go on without being manually turned on that I can see. In addition there is no floor lighting either? It's a real pain just getting into and out of the car without fumbling around, especially in areas where there is no other lighting nearby.

Maybe I'm just missing a setting on the map lights? If so I sure can't find it in the manual. Any ideas?

 

[chaz]

if you want footwell lights & the maps to come on when the doors open , u need to do the mods. check JA s light mod thread. you can also run wires from the dome light to under dash for footwell like i did. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/52467-footwell-lighting-write-up.html

 

[Trendari]

Second what Chaz says.

Also, as the regular lights don't provide much light output...think about doing an LED swap with them. I used the Putco lights from Xenondepot and they are great! If you get their kit, grab four extra wedge bulbs (two come with each order, so two orders) for each of the doors.

 

[ladywolf]

Having decided I didn't care for the 2010 styling and extra size / weight, I purchased a new 2009 Runner (Sport 4X4). It's been great, really great but there is one thing that is driving me crazy and seems a real mystery. There is an overhead light above the second row and on the ceiling near the back door that come on and turn off after about 10 seconds of closing the door, or when you use the key and start the engine. However there doesn't seem to be any interior lights for the front row that come on when you open the doors.

There are the two map lights that provide a nice amount of light when you push them up, but they don't go on without being manually turned on that I can see. In addition there is no floor lighting either? It's a real pain just getting into and out of the car without fumbling around, especially in areas where there is no other lighting nearby.

Maybe I'm just missing a setting on the map lights? If so I sure can't find it in the manual. Any ideas?

did you make sure in the front dome light area that the switch is set to doors and not "off"? i know that when i got my 06, the back cargo area was set to off. took me a bit to figure it out.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Yes, the 4th gen is pretty dark... It's silly IMHO. Link to J.A.'s maplight mod in my signature.

 

[Maz]

I want to think everyone who responded to my question, it appears you're confirming the map light must be manually turned on. ladywolf I do have teh door setting on so there is some light in the middle and back, but unfortunately that doesn't affect the front seat area. Maybe using Trendari's suggestion and changing out to brighter bulbs for the mid and back lights would help? However I checked out JA's amazing site for his map light mod and....well, let's just say there's not a chance in the world I could pull that off. Hard to imagine a more silly design than to have virtually no light to help the driver enter a car at night.

By the way JA those floor mats you have in your photo section look pretty good. What kind are they?

 

[greasefingers]

There is a MAP Light Mod that alloys the two map lights to flood the area when open & closing the door. It works great. Search the Mod if you are electrically-handy

 

[J.A.]

I want to think everyone who responded to my question, it appears you're confirming the map light must be manually turned on. ladywolf I do have teh door setting on so there is some light in the middle and back, but unfortunately that doesn't affect the front seat area. Maybe using Trendari's suggestion and changing out to brighter bulbs for the mid and back lights would help? However I checked out JA's amazing site for his map light mod and....well, let's just say there's not a chance in the world I could pull that off. Hard to imagine a more silly design than to have virtually no light to help the driver enter a car at night.

By the way JA those floor mats you have in your photo section look pretty good. What kind are they?

Maz, thanks for the comps on the site. First off, brighter dome lights will help, but the Maplight Mod is a must. Dont be worried about the long write up, as I like to provide all details, but this mod is something you can do yourself as it is quite basic. If you dont want a switch, it is even easier, just do the mod like CJ3Flyer did. Any specific questions left after reading the write-up just let us know.

As for the ultimate in entry lighting, you can then do the Footwell Lights, as they really add alot of up front light and with the switch can be used while in motion.

As for the floor mats, check here