lets starts a totally useless thread here. im fairly certain all IFS first gen runner has some kind of alarm buzzer for the key in the ignition and in the ACC on position, but mine doesn't buzz. does anyone know anything about whether or not its the lock cylinder itself not sending a signal or where the little buzzer is located? I remember my 88 having one years back, and a few of my buddies trucks do it. my keys are pretty worn and the lock cylinder is original. truck is an 87 4runner 22re 5sp.

 

Could be your wiring, or the module is missing or someone disabled it before you.
Module is somewhere under the dash, near the steering column.
I took mine out because I don't want it and find it annoying.

If only one of your door opening turns dome light on, the module may have been removed.


On my 1986, PN 85991-89102.
Looks like this:


Cleaned and tested. Here's the component side of the PCB:


Solder side of PCB:


I'm actually selling mine. $10 plus shipping to Yota brothers,

 

 

the buzzer box is under the dash, above the column. as Ray states, if the door courtesy light function isn’t working, your buzzer box is probably just unplugged, instead of disabled.

i disabled the buzzer in my ‘87, instead of unplugging, which retains the door courtesy light feature.

 

I disabled mine by opening it up and slightly bending one contact away from the other. Normal courtesy lights, no buzz. I miss it occasionally.

 

I like my annoying buzz, makes me feel kinda analog.....everything is so blah these days annoying old buzzing is wonderful

 

I agree!

The buzzer is all part of the experience of driving an old Toyota!

I will take the old Toyota buzzer over the super annoying Ford chime any day.

 

Thanks guys, my courtesy lights work fine so I assume the issue is in the box, I’ll troubleshoot some more today and may need to buy one.

 

In case you need replacement,

 

thanks bud!

 

digging up this old thread because I found the issue yesterday and wanted to post the resolution in case someone needed it in the future. there is a small white plug on the right side of the steering column near the ignition, this is pretty much the start of that wiring. the PO, probably many years ago, unscrewed the retainer screw and slid the plug back off the terminal slightly, but not completely. this made it so it worked intermittently.

 

Can you remove the key in the ACC position?
Mine works when I remove the key in the LOCK position.

 

no, the ignition works as designed, including the annoying release button. the little plug is simply an electronic signal that goes to the buzz box I assume.

 

I glued the release button down.

 

Why?

I just got so used to using the button, it is just a muscle memory thing.

 

Well the main reason is I simply didn't like it. I got good at taking the key out using the button even with just one hand, but it annoyed me. I've done it to three Toyotas and even a Ford Ranger that had a release lever to remove the key.

There is also a small practical benefit to disabling the button. When other people drive my truck, they will go to shut it off but not know the button is there. So they turn the key back until it stops (ACC position) and remove the key. Since the cylinder is worn out it is possible to remove the key from any position. This leaves the truck with the engine off but power being drawn by whatever accessories are on.

Anyone know what the button was originally for? I've only seen the button on manual transmission vehicles. And only on slightly older stuff, like early 90's and earlier.

 

that's a good dang question. no clue what its purpose is. all I know is the two times I have let someone else use the truck they thought it was off but like you said was in the ACC position.

 

... and that happened to me. The cylinder was worn out, I removed the key in ACC position with the lights on. Battery dead next morning.

 

I have the button on my '87 Auto 4Runner. I'll take a picture when I get home. No idea what they were originally for though.

 

i can confirm that the button is also present on automatic transmission 1st gen 4runners, as well as my ‘89 camry w/auto.

from my ‘88: