95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

03 Temp. Backlight flickering?

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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 06:34 AM
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The Dutch Man's Avatar
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03 Temp. Backlight flickering?

Hey guys,

I noticed the other night that the orange backlight on my temperature display was flickering right after I started the truck and turned on my headlights. Granted, the truck had been sitting at the airport for two days and it was down into the 30's here at night. It only flickered for a couple minutes and then the light stayed on solid. It did it again last night for a minute and then was okay. It's only a slight flickering, the orange light isn't like a flouesent light buld or anything.

Anyone else noticed this on the 4 runner. Do you think it's the cold weather? Are there bulds behind the display to illuminate them? Should I bring it up at the dealer?

Thanks,

Chris
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 09:33 AM
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Bump!
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:34 PM
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On 3rd gens, there are two bulbs behind the temp. display. I have one burnt out so one side is dimmer than the other. Maybe you have a loose bulb? It could be the cold weather though, if I remember right, doesn't resistance decrease with temperature, so maybe it being really cold is not letting all the current reach the bulb fast enough. It might be that my guess is a little off though. So here's a bump for someone who knows better
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 05:14 PM
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The one side of my display's backlight seems dimmer than the other side from time to time. However, everytime I take it to the dealer it behaves perfectly. SO they can't fix it. Hope it stays of when you take it to the dealer, so they can replace it. Otherwise thay'll just give you the"It worked when we tested" line.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 05:19 PM
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I have been seeing this on mine for the last few months also. Like you said, only on startup, and only the right side of the display. It is not cold here though, (70-80F in the garage at night), so I wouldn't think that is a factor. It is a lot dimmer on startup, then flashes semi bright to not bright a few times, then on full in a matter of 2-4 seconds.

Can't tell you why, but mine does it also...
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 05:53 PM
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Ah, Seems to be common problem. When I got back from the airport the other night the right side was dim, then flickered brighter and brighter over the course of less than five minutes. Next thing I know, I fully lit up. It did it again last night only less than 1 minute. And as you guys said, it's usually that right side. Tonight I left work and it was dark out. Turned on the lights and it was 55 degrees out. No flicker, go figure. I wonder what is causing this.

Anyone know what the backlight is? Are there bulbs back there?

Thanks for the response guys.

Dutchman
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 05:53 PM
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Billf6531
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On my 03, it's the left side of the display that exhibits this behaviour.
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Old Oct 26, 2004 | 04:50 AM
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I don't have any help to offer but I will add that my 2003 occasionally has one side dimmer than the other on the display too.
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Old Oct 27, 2004 | 05:45 AM
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It did it again this AM. Right half flickered dull for about 1 minute and then brightened up. Something's definately wrong with these displays. Mine's going in for an oil change soon, so I'm going to mention this to the dealer. How annoying!
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Old Oct 27, 2004 | 08:14 AM
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Check this out. I found one of these HVAC/Temp. displays on Ebay. It's a $700 part and doesn't look like the display can be replaced seperately!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=40017
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