My son recently bought an 87 4runner. He installed a new stereo which worked great for 3 months. One day he gets in, and stereo doesn't work. Calls shop and they say he needs 12 volts on constant and aux wire. he Jumps aux to constant to get 12V on both and stereo still doesnt work.
Shop says head unit probably bad.
At same time, his instrument panel lights quit working. The lights, if there were ever any there, for the heater controls have never worked. When the key is turned on, the check engine, brake, etc. lights work, but with the headlights on, no lights for speedo, tach, etc.
We are stumped and would appreciate any help on what to check, how to get to lamps/bulbs for heater controls and instrument panel to check them, or whatever else you've got.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I bet he blew the tail fuse which controls the panel lites. Check that fuse and replace it as needed

 

I've checked every fuse and they're all good to go. Thanks for tip, though.
We're still scratching our heads.

 

OK, I'm not too bright! I read through some other posts and checked the one thing I should have checked first...the dimmer switch. You guessed it, it was all the way down.
Now if I could figure out how to get the the heater/fan control lamp to replace it, I thing we'd be all set? Any advice on that one?

 

auto zone its a 194 but small 168 i think and to replace them all you have to do is pull off the caps(the slider things that are black) flat head screw driver and pop the cover off and there right there i did mine at auto zone in there parking lot so i got the right ones just cant remember what there exact number is for them hope it helps

 

Thanks for the advice. It's great to have a forum with so many helpful people.
My 16 year old and I both really appreciate it.
Thanks again.