Where is the button that controls the rear inside roof light when the hatch is open?

[mom]

Where is the door switch that controls when the rear light goes on?

On my 1997 Toyota 4Runner, the rear inside roof panel light bulb lights in the "On" position (so I know it's good); but the light won't go on in the "Door" position.

I ran my hand all around the door and didn't see or feel the switch that actually turns on the rear light when the door is opened.

Can you advise me what the problem may be?

 

[blcktpgsr]

The culprit is the back door lock assembly itself, the switch or sensor built-in might be gone.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/89231-rear-door-light-issue.html?highlight=rear+door

 

[THEREALTOR1]

Hmm, that's a good question, i'm not really sure, but if nobody answers you in the next 30 minutes or so, i'll go take a look at the manual out in my garage and see if I can find out for you.

 

[habanero]

First do an easy check of the wires between the body and liftgate. Simple enough, pull up the boot and look for broken wires.

That's what was wrong with both my rear defrost and door light.

 

[BrazilianT4R]

Where is the door switch that controls when the rear light goes on?

What a coincidence. I have just registered and this was about to be my first post. And thanks for the replies, I didn't know the switch was inside the lock mechanism. I will check it out.

Cheers from Brazil.

 

[J-money$$$]

First do an easy check of the wires between the body and liftgate. Simple enough, pull up the boot and look for broken wires.

That's what was wrong with both my rear defrost and door light.

and my rear hatch lock, third brake light, door light, and hatch unlock. =) they are staying broken.

 

[THEREALTOR1]

Sorry mom, wasn't able to find the switch for you, but I did find out that if you crawl inside the cargo area and slowly close the hatch, even when the hatch makes its initial contact with the lock post the light still remains on. Also at this point you are now locked inside of the cargo area, and if nobody else is home at this point in time, its going to require climbing over seats to free yourself from the vehicle. If you attempt to do this, I suggest you sit your beer and smoke down outside of the vehicle beforehand because it will only hinder your seat climbing ability.

 

[J-money$$$]

Nice. I have done the same thing , it was hard enough without a beer in hand

 

[TheDurk]

Nice. I have done the same thing , it was hard enough without a beer in hand

Why would you do that from inside? You can get the same insight from outside and not let go of the beer. (I don't smoke.)

 

[Carolinafan]

Sorry mom, wasn't able to find the switch for you, but I did find out that if you crawl inside the cargo area and slowly close the hatch, even when the hatch makes its initial contact with the lock post the light still remains on. Also at this point you are now locked inside of the cargo area, and if nobody else is home at this point in time, its going to require climbing over seats to free yourself from the vehicle. If you attempt to do this, I suggest you sit your beer and smoke down outside of the vehicle beforehand because it will only hinder your seat climbing ability.

Wouldn't it just make more sense to just put the seats down first?:boink:

 

[J-money$$$]

Why would you do that from inside? You can get the same insight from outside and not let go of the beer. (I don't smoke.)

stuff happens. LOL idk why but i remember closing the hatch from the inside and having to crawl over the seats to get out

 

[THEREALTOR1]

Wouldn't it just make more sense to just put the seats down first?:boink:

I wasn't actually planning on being in that situation. It just kinda happened

Its amazing how quickly the mind works though, i'm sitting in the cargo area, indian style, and slowly start closing the gate using the strap handle, all the while keeping an eye on the light and then all of a sudden you hear the click of the lock latch connecting to the lock bar, and almost immediately you mind says "aw ****, this isn't good"

 

[johnvt]

where did you splice the wires? In the rubber boot? In the plastic holder between the two rubber boots, attached to the tailgate, and under the roof molding?
How do you get all that apart to splice them?

 

[habanero]

I took the light cover off and undid the screws holding the light in. The plastic trim piece pops off once those are out and just slip the light assembly through the hole to let it dangle. Next I pulled the broken wire down til I could reach enough of it to solder just enough extra wire to. Next I moved the boot up the wires and out of the way as well as the plastic piece, which pops out, and soldered the bit of wire to the other side of the break. I prolly should've covered it with some heat shrink or something but electrical tape was what I had and what I used. The other cracked wires I wrapped with electrical tape.

There's prolly a better fix, but that's what I did.

 

[GDieter]

Gonna try to fix my rear hatch door switch too.

Man this problem has been bugging me for years. Door opens, manually turn on the light, close door, curse aloud, repeat...
This is a great forum, very helpful posts.

Does anyone elses back hatch external latch handle hard to open?

GDieter

 

[papabear1126]

hatch handle sticks

Man this problem has been bugging me for years. Door opens, manually turn on the light, close door, curse aloud, repeat...
This is a great forum, very helpful posts.

Does anyone elses back hatch external latch handle hard to open?
GDieter

So far I been lucky with pb blast inside the arms that go in using the straw