Hi to All:

I'm completely new to forums in general, so if I am doing something wrong, I apologize in advance. I am recently medically retired from automotive repair, but still like to tinker. Thus, I've purchased a 95 4Runner as a 'flip' project. It's done with one exception - the exterior lighting is messed up. When the parking or headlamps are turned on, the brake lights come on. When the brake pedal is depressed, regardless of headlamp switch position, the parking lamps, including the dash illumination lamps, come on. All turn sigs, etc, work normally. I presumed it was the multi-function switch. I disconnected the mutifunction switch at the column base and, aside from no longer having headlamp switch control, depressing the brake pedal yielded the same results. I have pulled the rear tail lamp assy's out and disconnected those thinking maybe a faulty bulb/corroded connector - nope. Therefore, I'm now thinking the tail and brake leads are bared and crossing/touching - somewhere. If anyone has knowledge of a chronic 'pinch' area, or, better yet, an exterior lighting schematic they could forward to me, that would be very much appreciated.

Thx,
Mike

As a follow up, a few days after this original posting, I found some extended time to put into this. Apparently, at some point in its past, it had had a tow package installed, then partially removed. The partial removal consisted of taking the tow harness and pulling it up inside the left rear quarter panel after cutting the wires. After undoing the splices into the original factory wiring, all lighting is now normal. I do appreciate those who did look at the post and considered possible solutions, however. I am a retired Master ASE Tech, though my experience has been mostly domestics, but if anyone has anything I may be able to assist with, just email me.

Thx Again,
Mike

 

I encountered similar issue before on my 3rd gen Runner (96-02 versions), and it was of course that trailer wiring harness.

Glad to see you solved it. Welcome to the forum.