So, i recently discovered that my 4runner was missing the Deck Lamp switch on the left side of the steering wheel. So i hunted one down and installed it, plugged it in. And it didn't do anything... it lights up when i turn it on. but what exactly is it for??? I cannot seem to figure it out. lol

 

Did you find the deck lamp in the back? Drivers side, between tailgate and rollbar.

Turn lights and front switch on, then go back to the light and flip the switch on the light.

 

i believe i tried that. but why would they have 2 switches for one light? doesn't that sound sort of silly? i mean its Toyota here... not hyundai

 

If that doesn't work, then you have some diagnosing to do.

 

yes i think i do. thanks though. i tried that and it didnt work lol

 

maybe the bulb is burnt out....

 

doesnt work in my truck either, i just figured i had a beat bulb or some chewed up wiring.

 

Deck lamp switch requires the headlights to be on. Then it should work. The reason for two switches is the same reason you have two switches for the same light on a long hallway. Turn the light on at one end, walk to the other end and turn that same light off. Would be a pain to notice you left the rear deck light on (maybe by accident) when you are driving down the road and say turn on your headlights and suddenly notice the light on in back. Instead of having to stop and get out to turn the light off in back, just flip the switch up front. I rewired my front switch to get constant power, instead of headlight power, so I can turn the deck light on any time. Also added an auxiliary 12 volt plug by the rear switch that I can plug an overhead LED light mounted on the roll bar to so I can get some real useful light in back.

 

thanks i think i replaced the bulb. but i guess i can try again in case i didnt. lol the 12v auxilary is a good idea. i think wiring a inverter to the back and putting outlets in the rear would be good too?

 

 

It's just your typical 3-way switch wiring setup. Common terminals on each end (one end to power and the other end to the light). Then two wires connecting the pair of output terminals to each other.

Should be in the Factory Service Manual wiring diagram section. Nearly the last page, next to the radio wiring. If you don't have that, see snapshot below:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=12f...D4cVMJXKs-s78_

More info:
https://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTr...l#DeckLightMod

 

Yes, aka Single-Pole, Double-throw switch:
http://www.learningaboutelectronics....ow-switch-SPDT