I woke up this morning and tried to crank up my 2000 4runner and looks like I had a dead battery. Weird, because I just got back from Tahoe last night (250 miles) and no issues/problems over the weekend.

I jump the car and ran it for a bit. Well, after shutting down the engine, I noticed that my daytime running lights and HVAC fan stays on without the key in the ignition. I'm at a loss of how this could happen.

I recently installed an amp/subwoofer which was my first suspect but I just ripped them out and issue is still there.

When I shut off the truck, I notice that it will turn off the daytime running lights for a bit and then the dash lights light up and I hear a click near the driver's side (relay?) and then the daytime running lights turn on. I'm wondering if some relay has gone bad or is shorting.

I need some help as I need to get my car running to get to work. This is just too baffling for me to understand what is going on. Thanks!

 

I had weird issues with mine stalling and I could hear what sounded like a relay behind the gauges just clicking away. After taking the key out I still had things on dimly. Turns out it was the ground wires on the intake were loose.

 

Ground wires on the intake? Where is that located on the intake? Isn't the intake all rubber?

 

ugh, I just dropped it off at the dealer for $260 inspection. I just can't figure this out.

 

my guess is the ignition switch is not truly going off when you think the key has turned all the way...

$260 for inspection? You are in Tokyo now?

 

I meant the ground wires on the upper intake manifold. Not too far grom the batter right by the oil filler cap.

 

I'm in California at the moment. I live in both places throughout the year (due to my job).

I picked up the car and dealer told me that it was the headlight switch. I am very suspicious that this isn't the case because how can the headlight switch affect other accessories? From what I can tell from the schematics in the FSM, I don't think they are connected. They had to order a new switch for me but gave me my car back. Here's the kicker though, I didn't have any issues I was experiencing before. No daytime running lights or HVAC running with the key out of the ignition. Its like everything is back to normal. I have to bring the car back in to get the switch installed.

As for ignition switch, I'm starting to think it might be the case as well. Does anyone know how to test the ignition switch?

 

I could see a headlight switch sticking and causing the headlights/interior lights staying on....BUT the blower motor continues to run?...The headlight switch would not effect that circuit......I only have a 98' EWD,does not have the scematic for auto HVAC...So I have no idea...What else stays on?..that could help find out whats the problem....I highly suspect a ground problem..something backfeeding keeping accessories "on"...Most if not all of toyota's electrical systems are "ground switched"...So if there was a back-feeding situation..It could cause relays to "click-on" powering up a system w/o a key...Sometimes the "intergration relay" which controls a bunch of systems can go bad and odd things will happen when they are not suppose to happen...but its difficult to test......I doubt an ignition switch is sticking...If that was the case...All of your systems should stay "on"...which you are not stating?.........

The good news is that once they put the headlight switch in and it dosen't fix the problem,its their baby......and it will be up to you to keep bringing it back ..untill someone finally keeps the vehical for a few days and really pin-point on what is going on...