I have searched around the forums for this, but i have a few more questions. Here is what i have i just bought a 97 4runner and everything works on it except the dash lights (tach, speedo, and air controls).

I have checked all fuses, and the dimmer switch.
Tail lights work
It has an after market stereo system.

I have come to the conclusion that its the dimmer wire off of the stereo is grounding out, or it is the dimmer switch.

The only question i have is my glove box light still comes on when i have it open with the lights on, should this push me to either of the problems?

 

disconnect the stereo and see if it gos away

 

I dont have the tools to pull it out. I think i am gonna take it too a stereo shop and get them to pull it out then i can check it out. Anybody know any other ways to get a pioneer deck out of a dash.

 

just reach around the back and unplug the wire harness from the back of the stereo

 

some stereos need those little u looking shaped tools to push releases so it can slide out. personally i have found a wire cut hanger cut and bench to fit those holes does the job.

 

I pulled out the dash and got to the deck, and pulled it out. While i was in there i found out i had a clock. So i put that back in its place. I unplugged the stereo and tried the lights, nothing. I found out the clock dims when you turn on the headlights.

The positive dim wire was disconnected between the junction of the wiring harness and the stereo. Also there is some other black and yellow wire i have no clue about.

On top of all that it has after market speakers so those all have been wired up.

Should the positive dimmer sections be connected? I dunno want to hurt anything.

 

One stock radio connector is not hooked up to the radio. And it doesnt have a space for it.

 

I think its normal for the clock to dim when the lights go on. Anyways, I had some issues awhile back with some dash lights out, others on etc...Found a burned out fuse (one of the ones in the fuseblock under the hood). I changed it with a spare that was stored in the fuseblock. Lo and behold everything worked....until the next day, then I had more lighting problems. I worried and thought obviously something is shorting out. I went to the store and got some new ones, replaced the fuse again and no problems, and that was two months ago. Not saying this is your problem however.

 

All fuses look good, there was one old looking one, which was still good. I replaced it and still nothing happened.

Clock reacts normally to turning on lights, just no dash. I think it may be the dimmer switch.

 

Having a disconnected harness from the factory deck is ok, one goes to the stereo/radio, the other to a tape deck. The clock will dim slightly when you turn on your lights. My bulbs in my 97' were burnt out so I replaced them...that was after I checked the fuses. If your hazard harness is not connected your blinkers won't work, if your dimmer switch is unpluged or faulty your dash may not light up. I have my reverse gauges tapped into the dimmer switch and when it's not connected they don't light. Also, on stock gauges if you are missing a bulb for some reason on the speedo it looses continuity and the whole thing would be out. It sounds like your fuses are good so..I'd check all connections, then bulbs(they could be just burnt out) and by the sounds of it--if your glove box or clock lights, that would be where I would start. ANd it's easy to pull the gauge cluster out...4 bolts under the dash, key bezel, gauge finish plate(4screws), gauge cluster(4screws), gently pull out, and you'll find three harness's. Check your bulbs..etc

 

I'm gonna go with the dimmer switch as well. I had the same problems a few years ago and replaced the rheostat (picked one up at a junkyard for $5) and like magic all my guages came back on. Upon further inspection of the old unit, i came to find out that it had shorted out internally and had actually started to melt away the plastic on the inside of the switch.

 

its real easy to get the stereo out https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f127/aftermarket-stereo-installation-3rd-gen-4runner-75275/

 

Found the problem, it was the dimmer switch.