Clock, power door locks and interior lights all stopped working at the same time?

SYDSTER

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

My radio(and retracting antenna), clock, power door locks and interior lights all stopped working at the same time. Thought it was a bad fuse but all the fuses in the interior fuse box are OK. The power windows, mirrors, AC, fan all work fine. I am suspecting there is either a short somewhere or a possible relay problem. I got a Chilton manual for the schematics but unfortunately the diagrams were too limited. The only thing I could see as a possibility is the integration relay, but then again other things connected to that relay work fine. Thanks for any help.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Based on the symptoms you've described, it does sound like there could be an issue with a common power supply or relay that controls the radio, clock, power door locks, and interior lights in your 1997 Toyota 4Runner. Here are some steps you can take to further diagnose the problem:

Check for Additional Fuse Boxes: In addition to the interior fuse box, some vehicles have multiple fuse boxes, including one under the hood. Check the owner's manual or the Chilton manual to see if there's another fuse box that could contain fuses related to the affected components.

Test the Integration Relay: The integration relay is a possibility as it is responsible for supplying power to various interior components. However, as you mentioned, other things connected to that relay work fine, which may indicate that it is functioning correctly.

Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Perform a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors related to the radio, clock, power door locks, and interior lights. Look for any visible damage, loose connections, or signs of burning or melting.

Check for Short Circuits: Use a multimeter set to continuity mode to check for short circuits between power and ground on the affected circuits. A short circuit could be causing the loss of power to these components.

Test Relays: Test any relays related to the affected components to ensure they are functioning correctly. A faulty relay could be the culprit.

Consider the Body Control Module (BCM): In some cases, problems with interior electrical components may be related to the BCM, which is responsible for controlling various vehicle functions. A malfunctioning BCM could result in the loss of power to multiple interior components.

Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to pinpoint the issue on your own, it may be best to take your 4Runner to a qualified automotive technician who has experience with electrical diagnostics. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately.