No Running Lights or Dash

Tiny
CADMANCAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,459 MILES
My running lights and dashboard lights dont work. The headlights, turn signals, ac-lite (when pressed), car stereo all work fine. Tried looking at the fuses and they all see fine. What else could be the issue. I am guessing its a fuse issue but I dont where else to check. Thanks. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 2:14 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hello,

There is a tail light relay that looks like it has gone out ( under the hood) here is the location and a guide to help test it. Also check the fuses here is the location of the fuse panel and the identification for the fuses and relays as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
OIDAVEY
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Thank you for this post I had this problem and had to get a new tail light relay cost me $34.00 I love this site.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
LOUIGUENS ISTROP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1995 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 188,200 MILES
Hello guys, my tail lights do not work and the other interior lights also (like for the cigarette lighter, shift indicator, rear window defroster switch, and things like that)
I tried to replace the fuse, but it blows all the time, and now none of the fuses work even if it new.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If it blows the fuse you have a short in system and will need to find it. If you have had anything installed recently it may be to wrong place. Also, check for bare wires at back of truck might be hitting frame and shorting out.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOUIGUENS ISTROP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
When I remove the fuse and test in the place where the fuse should be, there is no current either.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You have to do it with the key on or engine running. Also check relay in picture as well as both fuses.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOUIGUENS ISTROP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Still nothing, I think that the problem is in the fuse's box. Can you help me to remove it?
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MPJ111
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
  • TOYOTA 4RUNNER
Im using Toyota Hilux 1998, SSRX.

I want to remove right tail light to replace bulbs.

There were two screws left side of the light, I removed it but light does not come out. I can move the whole light after removing two screw. But still hooking with somthing on right side. I s threre any other hidden screws or hooks inside.
How to remove it,

Many thanks in advance
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
I can move the whole light after removing two screw. You need to investigate something is holding it back. Look to the side/back/front of it I'll bet you -you'll find it, give it a closer look.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check large alt fuse may not be getting good contact. If power is going to relay and not to fuse then it may be relay is not sending power so try temporarily jumping relay to power fuse. Fuse boxes don't normally fail. We do not have instructions to remove it to check anyhow.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MPJ111
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
There are two hooks, once I removed the two screws, need to push side ways ( outward direction)

Thanks for the advice
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOUIGUENS ISTROP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, I will check. By the way, how to jump the relay?
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Just replace it with a known good one from your fuse box is easiest.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 280,000 MILES
My 4 Runner has a right side tail light that is out. It is only out when the vehicle is running. If we activate the alarm the light flashes as it should. Is this a major electrical issue that is creeping up or something that could be repaired by me, a fairly descent mechanic?
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
A light circuit should not be anything major.

From the symtom description, I would suspect a loose/broken connection in the circuit between the taillight fuse and the right taillight. It should be before the security light splices. Refer to diagram.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS SACKETT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 210,000 MILES
Tail lights work fine without headlights on but as soon as you turn the headlights on and step on the brake it turns the light off completely and one brake light is brighter than the other
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
This will be an earthing problem, check earths at both lights and and at trailer plug if fitted, I would also just ensure that the correct globes are fitted as well, start here.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 2:14 PM (Merged)

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