element

One of my only complaints about my 4Runner is that the interior lighting system doesn't seem to be very "night friendly". It seems like most new(er) cars have a more intuitive lighting system. For example: if you unlock the doors an interior light comes on and stays on for a predetermined period of time or until you turn the key to the "accessory on" position. Or if you are leaving the truck, a light stays on until you lock it.

Right now, when you get in, the lighted ring around the ignition stays on until you insert the key (2002 4Runner Sport). I think it would be pretty easy to tie in to the dome light or add some floor board lights that come on and off when the light around the ignition is on. But what about turning interior lights on when you unlock the truck using the remote.

Any ideas?

The truck has the factory standard keyless entry.

CLin9383

not sure why yours doesnt have it, but mine dome light goes on when i unlock the doors and when i lock the doors with the FOB...stays on for 3 secs after unless i start the engine then it promptly goes off. been that way since day 1 when i bought it in 96.

Edit: even the manual says it does...RS3000

pattycakes77

iTrader: (2)

mine has an aftermarket alarm that the PO put on from new, and it has the feature where the dome light goes on and off with the fob when locking and unlocking. it's a nice feature.

SteveS

My 01 Taco works that way, it lights the dome light with the key too. I'd think the 4Rer would have the same if not a better set-up.

blarchitect

I agree the lighting is poor. If you turn off ignition at night you are in darkness till you open the door.

element

I failed to mention that there is no alarm, just keyless entry. I wonder if the alarm system and the keyless entry use the same remote…

Steve - do you have an alarm too?

I am not particularly interested in the alarm features. Just the lighting.

I thought about buying a "cheap" alarm with this feature instead of trying to build a really system. I haven’t determined how I would trigger it with the OE remote.

SteveS

Yes, I had an aftermarket alarm installed 5 or so years ago. But as I recall my dome light has always worked this way.

Also if I leave my doors open, the light turns off after 30 +/- minutes. This was a neat function until I swapped in an LED dome light that only draws .035amps, now there is little chance the dome light will drain the battery.

Hope this helps.

element

I’ve done a little more research and it seems that the lighted ring around the ignition is the extent of the “illuminated entry” system whether you have just keyless entry or have the dealer installed alarm.

There is a chance that a setting can be changed in the illumination control module with a scan tool. I’m checking to see if this is possible…