theft deterrent light won't stop blinking
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Bryan in SB
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Sorry, double post.
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Bryan in SB
New member
Afternoon all,
I too would like to add to this thread if you all don't mind, as I've recently experienced a similar problem. Hopefully between the problems the two of us face, answers will come out.
Recently the theft deterrent light in the center console display won't stop blinking, whether the key is in or not. Previously, it would blink on or off, but not repeatedly. Now whether the truck is running or not, the light is blinking.
Thoughts?
I too would like to add to this thread if you all don't mind, as I've recently experienced a similar problem. Hopefully between the problems the two of us face, answers will come out.
Recently the theft deterrent light in the center console display won't stop blinking, whether the key is in or not. Previously, it would blink on or off, but not repeatedly. Now whether the truck is running or not, the light is blinking.
Thoughts?
Mark86
Super Moderator
The light should stop blinking once your key is placed in the ignition. If you are using a valet key, the light will remain on for only a few seconds. All 4th gen 4Runners have an engine immobilizer. Only the Limiteds come standard with a theft deterrent system in addition. If you only have an engine immobilizer, the light will blink as long as the key is out of the ignition. There is a chip embedded in the key that allows the car to start. If you have a Toyota alarm system in your truck, the light will remain solid for 30 seconds after you lock your truck. Once the light stops blinking, the alarm is engaged.
Bryan in SB, are you using a Toyota key? Also, does that key actually start your truck? If the light is still blinking when you insert that key, it may need to be reprogrammed.
Bryan in SB, are you using a Toyota key? Also, does that key actually start your truck? If the light is still blinking when you insert that key, it may need to be reprogrammed.
Bryan in SB
New member
Thanks Mark for the reply.
Let me answer your question as well as back up a minute.
First your question. Yes, a Toyota key is being used with the original key fob. This is the same key and fob used since day 1.
Secondly, our truck has an aftermarket alarm installed by the dealer, Longo. There is an alarm light that is located on a check panel to the left of the steering wheel. Initially, I thought the alarm had been triggered as this light blinked rapidly. Along with this light blinking rapidly, the theft deterrent/alarm light on the center console(car with key) was blinking rapidly. This is different than the usual single cycle blink I've seen.
Last night I walked around the truck, looking for doors/hood that weren't closed all of the way as well as any dents that may have caused the alarm to go off. I couldn't see any thankfully. I cycled the alarm hoping to reset the system, however it retained the rapid blink on both the alarm light and the TDL(theft deterrent light). Truck started fine, however, once started both lights continued to blink.
Fast forward to this morning. My wife took the truck in to our mechanic, as it happened to need it's 30k check, and I instructed the mechanic to check into it. In talking with him this afternoon, it appears the TDL is no longer blinking, however the alarm light is. I'm thinking the TDL has been cycled on and off enough times to reset, however, the alarm light continuing to blink is irritating.
Something in the electrical system seems to be continuing to send out a signal that is a problem, I just don't know what or where.
Let me answer your question as well as back up a minute.
First your question. Yes, a Toyota key is being used with the original key fob. This is the same key and fob used since day 1.
Secondly, our truck has an aftermarket alarm installed by the dealer, Longo. There is an alarm light that is located on a check panel to the left of the steering wheel. Initially, I thought the alarm had been triggered as this light blinked rapidly. Along with this light blinking rapidly, the theft deterrent/alarm light on the center console(car with key) was blinking rapidly. This is different than the usual single cycle blink I've seen.
Last night I walked around the truck, looking for doors/hood that weren't closed all of the way as well as any dents that may have caused the alarm to go off. I couldn't see any thankfully. I cycled the alarm hoping to reset the system, however it retained the rapid blink on both the alarm light and the TDL(theft deterrent light). Truck started fine, however, once started both lights continued to blink.
Fast forward to this morning. My wife took the truck in to our mechanic, as it happened to need it's 30k check, and I instructed the mechanic to check into it. In talking with him this afternoon, it appears the TDL is no longer blinking, however the alarm light is. I'm thinking the TDL has been cycled on and off enough times to reset, however, the alarm light continuing to blink is irritating.
Something in the electrical system seems to be continuing to send out a signal that is a problem, I just don't know what or where.
Bryan in SB
New member
Thanks Mark, I'll try that.
Wolf
New member
Unhook your battery for a minute or more. This should reset anything that is confusing it. Usually if an after market alarm is triggered you need to actually start it to cancel the alert (fast flashing). Sometimes if your alarm has a motion sensor or anti scanning it can get triggered by satellite radio signal if your antennae wire is too close to the sensor. If it's still a problem take it back to Longo since theres usually a lifetime warranty on After market Alarms that dealers have installed. I had a problem with one I had with another vehicle (maybe Carr or CodeAlarm?..) so I called the dealer who gave me the number for the alarm company- they sent out a technician who fixed it while I was at work- for nothing. It turned out that my satellite radio signal was interfering with the unit.
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esb_t4r
Member
Hey! I know this thread is almost two years old, but I recently had the same problem with my Longo aftermarket alarm light blinking constantly - regardless of my T4R engine running or stopped.
My light was blinking for probably 4 months. It bugged me but not to the point where i finally did something about it. I thought that maybe I had triggered some alarm when I took apart the dash to put in my iPod adapter. Nope! I called Longo and this is what they told me:
Inadvertently, I had set the alarm into valet mode! The alarm won't set while in valet mode and the light constantly blinks.
In order to toggle between valet and normal security mode, you must turn the key to the ON position (do not start the car) and then to the off position three times back to back!!
Once I did this, the blinking stopped and the car alarm now sets. (Horn beeps after I double tap the keyfob lock, or 30 seconds after if I single tap the lock)
Anywho, even though this is way late, just figured I'd post it up!
-Eric
Ok, I'm confused. I recently purchased a '07 Sport. To the left of the steering wheel, I have a security indicator light (looks like a red LED with a symbol of a car with a key in the middle of it).
The problem I'm having is that this light never goes on. Do other 4Runners have this light, yet have it inoperative? Is this factory or some other after-market light?
I don't think I have any alarm system, because if I leave the windows down, lock the doors with the remote, then open the door there is just silence (bummer).
Thanks everyone...
The problem I'm having is that this light never goes on. Do other 4Runners have this light, yet have it inoperative? Is this factory or some other after-market light?
I don't think I have any alarm system, because if I leave the windows down, lock the doors with the remote, then open the door there is just silence (bummer).
Thanks everyone...
Mark86
Super Moderator
All 4th gen 4Runners should have a factory engine immobilizer, which is also why that light blinks. You may have an aftermarket security system, which disabled that feature. The blinking light to the left of your steering wheel is aftermarket. Do you use a factory Toyota key with the thick rubber top? What kind of remote do you use to unlock your truck?
esb_t4r
Member
Where did you purchase your truck? Longo Toyota (at least they installed mine) installs aftermarket security alarms that have the red led in the button panel to the left of the steering column like you described. It might be that Longo installs that button in all their Toyota's regardless of whether or not an actual alarm system is installed.
The engine immobilizer (Toyota's stock security feature which utilizes the blinking red security light on the center console) should always blink when the key is not inserted into the ignition.
You can try turning the key to the on position and off 3X and see if that activates your alarm. I know my alarm is set when the horn honks after I lock the doors.
Good luck!
-eric
Thanks, I think you're right. It probably came from Longo (I bought it used, but know it came from the Southern Calif. area). I was able to reach behind the fuse panel and pop-out the button (didn't know they came out so easy). Unfortunately there are no wires attached to it, so no alarm for me. Thanks.
