When I pull back on the turn signal arm to switch from high beam headlights to low beam on my ’98 4Runner, my headlights will sometimes go completely off. I can jiggle the turn signal arm a bit and they will come back on. I suspect the switch is wearing out, but I don’t know how to get into the steering column to check/replace the switch.

I’m a big do-it-yourself type around the house, doing everything from plumbing to 220V wiring, and I’ve installed many after-market car stereos and radios in my day (I put an after-market Sirius satellite radio in my 4Runner), but I’m a total novice when it comes to removing the steering wheel – which I suppose I’ll have to do in order to access to the innards of the steering column. (I’ve heard horror stories of people accidentally discharging the driver’s side airbag when they tried to remove the steering wheel and I don’t want that!)

I’m asking for help to (1) decide if it’s the dimmer switch -- or some part of it -- that’s causing this problem, (2) tell me how to get inside the steering column – and then get it back together again! (3) find the best place to buy a replacement switch and (4) tell me if there are any gotchas to watch out for when removing and installing the replacement switch.

I’ll be most grateful for any help and advice offered!

 

Welcome to YT! it's a great place with a bunch of knowledge in many people's heads. Should be pretty straight forward...having said that, i haven't done it yet. BUT, the instructions are in the FSM (factory service manual). If you don't have one yet, definitely be on the lookout for one. couple different places to source it: ebay, online version here. This is where I got mine...just pay $10 and you have 24 hour access to the entire website. tedious to download, so ebay may be quicker.

I'll give it a look for ya to see what it says.

scott

edit: gave the FSM a look over, says there are just 3 screws to undo to remove the column covers, but more involved to get to the combination switch. provide an email and i'll supply you with a couple pdfs.

 

Thanks. I've wondered where I could get a manual. I'll check it out!

 

I had the same problem. It was the switch itself. I got tired of resoldering the connection every few months. I bought it here... http://www.toyotapartsales.com

 

On the 3rd gens, you can actually just remove the 3 screws holding on the column cover, then the 2 screws holding the switch in. You do not have to remove the steering wheel, or any othe parts to get that switch out.

Also, I hear if you call Nix99 they have some parts in stock for your 4Runner. 800-782-0682