Hello, I've got myself a lighting issue. My 81 pickup 2wd long bed / automatic has an issue with the running lights, brake lights and markers. Whenever I hook up the battery, the running lights come on. I've chased the issue a bit. The previous owner must've tied them in somewhere. First time toyota owner, I love the truck but can't drive it without the lights. So far, it looks like the lights are tied to the charging harness. Because whenever I unhook the wire that keeps the lights on (even with the truck completely off) I lose my charging system. I'm stumped. I tinkered with it last night and ended up blowing every lamp in that circuit. Any ideas? I've even unplugged the harness under the column and lights still stay on.

 

Sounds like the PO might have tied the lighting system into the charging system. There should be a Black wire off the battery out to the starter. There also should be 3 fusible links off the battery, for the headlight and hazard/horn system, another to the starter switch and another to the tail light system. Sounds like you need to do some continuity and power checks of those systems I listed. I can email you a wiring diagram, will need your email addy

 

Do I checked at the fuse box. The PO had tied the alternator and voltage regulator together to the positive post. And melted the tail light fuse as well. So the heater, brake lights and tail light fuses are getting constant power. I've looked around for a wiring diagram for an 81 2wd 22r and haven't found one yet.