Shifter and Rear Window switch lights out...

[bjohnston115]

So the illumination bulbs for my shifter and the switch for the rear window just mysteriously went out. I looked at fuses and they all seem to be fine, does anyone know which fuse specifically these lights are on? Any other thoughts on what to do to fix them?

Thanks.

 

[rigtec]

So the illumination bulbs for my shifter and the switch for the rear window just mysteriously went out. I looked at fuses and they all seem to be fine, does anyone know which fuse specifically these lights are on? Any other thoughts on what to do to fix them?

Thanks.

Hi bjohnstone,

I just took a tour of your 4Runner's 'Illumination Circuit' to see what your trouble might be. I don't think you have a blown Illum Circ. fuse or you'd lose your entire dashboard switch back-lighting; as well as your Glovebox light, Hazards, seat heaters (optional). That fuse, BTW is labeled 'Panel fuse 7.5A, Driver-side fusebox', which is supplied by the 'Main Alt 140A fuse', "see schematic" below":



The RED arrows up top are indicating the two fuses that feed that circuit. The four BLUE arrows point to the line path that feed your 'Shift position indicator lamp'; the two on the extreme right denote a slight detour... line 2 carries power from the fuse to a junction on the next page, but quickly returns to feed the junction that serves the center console.

PS: The Rear window/tailgate switch doesn't have a courtesy indicator lamp so we can cross that off of the list! Since the fuse seems to be good, you could test the socket with a multi-meter for 12V or, just replace the bulb and check it that way. Also, check the connection at the harness junction plug (located underneath the upper center console trim panel) to be sure that it's locked in; here's what it looks like:

Between those two confirmation tests on your check-list you should be fine, and if things are not fine then come back here to investigate this problem further,

Rgds!

 

[bjohnston115]

Thanks so much for this! I'll be taking a look shortly to see if the plugs are seated.

 

[Antman]

So the illumination bulbs for my shifter and the switch for the rear window just mysteriously went out. I looked at fuses and they all seem to be fine, does anyone know which fuse specifically these lights are on? Any other thoughts on what to do to fix them?

Thanks.

Like Rig said, the rear window switch isn't lit. I doubt the plug is the problem though, especially if your rear window still works.

The bulb for the shifter is a tiny little incandescent guy- at least it is on my 2011. The bulb is probably loose or burnt out, but these small bulbs typically last for many years.

Spill anything in there lately?

 

[bjohnston115]

Like Rig said, the rear window switch isn't lit. I doubt the plug is the problem though, especially if your rear window still works.

The bulb for the shifter is a tiny little incandescent guy- at least it is on my 2011. The bulb is probably loose or burnt out, but these small bulbs typically last for many years.

Spill anything in there lately?

Yeah I saw the little guy. Incandescent with a rubber orange cover. Why wouldn't they just use an led? I just got the truck a week ago and I've been cleaning the hell out of it becuase the pervious owner was a smoker and it stinks. Took the center trim peices off and found piles of ash a quarter inch thick. I may have disturbed the little bulb. Lesson to be learned, don't smoke in your cars!!