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exterior lights switch off randomly

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Old Dec 2, 2013 | 12:43 PM
  #1  
fadetoblack's Avatar
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exterior lights switch off randomly

Im new to the forum and my name is Jason. Im wondering if anyone can help me out with this...
I got in my truck(2004 tacoma 4x4) the other day and both low beams wouldnt come on. High beams worked but the indicator light didnt come on in the cab. So I changed one of the bulbs and that worked on that side so I thought I just had to get a bulb for the other side. the high beams worked and the indicator light came on. I drove for about 5-10 minutes and all the exterior lights went out. I turned the switch off and then back on and all the lights came back on (minus the one low beam). then I went to park it, turned the ignition off and opened my door...normally opening the door would switch the lights off(I normally just leave the light in the on position) but now they just stayed on. I also noticed later that when the truck was running and I opened the door, the buzzer would ding which I dont think has happened or is supposed to. Not sure if it is related but my ABS dash light came on right around the same time. The toyota garage didnt know what it was over the phone but said maybe it was a bad relay?
I'd really appreciate any help anyone could give me..Funds are very tight these days and it would help me a lot to not be replacing things that dont need replacing or to put in bulbs just to have them burn out due to some other problem (seems odd to me that both low beams went at the same time)

Thanks in advance!
Jason
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 04:30 AM
  #2  
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These things happen when the battery is low or faulty.
Suggest you charge it up, and if still have probs, have it load tested with full charge to learn if the chargeing system needs to be diagnosed. (free test at auto part store)

Clean the chassis to engine ground ends, load test the battery cables as they could be internally corroded at the luggs. They would get hot when cranking, as very few wire strands
are carriing the amperage.

We had a same as, after a mechanic fixed a oil leaky valve cover.:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classi...ml#post1510666

Hope this helps
Bills86e

Last edited by Bills86e; Dec 5, 2013 at 04:41 AM.
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 08:14 AM
  #3  
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Originally Posted by Bills86e
These things happen when the battery is low or faulty.
Suggest you charge it up, and if still have probs, have it load tested with full charge to learn if the chargeing system needs to be diagnosed. (free test at auto part store)

Clean the chassis to engine ground ends, load test the battery cables as they could be internally corroded at the luggs. They would get hot when cranking, as very few wire strands
are carriing the amperage.

We had a same as, after a mechanic fixed a oil leaky valve cover.:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classi...ml#post1510666

Hope this helps
Bills86e

Thanks bills86e :-)
I will start with checking the charging system. I haven't had any work done but maybe the batt was bad and with the cold it's just showing up now. Light hasn't come on so I'm guessing its good but won't hurt to check.
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Old Dec 13, 2013 | 12:22 PM
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Had the charging system checked and its fine. A couple more questions.. How do I tell if I have DRLs? The lights are supposed to turn on and off with the ignition. Also is the 2003 repair manual the same for the 2004? I thought it was 01-04 with the tacoma

Thanks
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Old Dec 13, 2013 | 01:16 PM
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You will have to cal the Dealer and give them your VIN
They can tell you if it is so equiped.
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Old Dec 13, 2013 | 02:27 PM
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I have found that I do not have DRLs, just the auto off feature. Does anyone have the wiring diagram for the 2004 tacoma I have it for the 2003 but I'm not sure its the same. Also maybe a legend or key to reading them...I have one but its pretty vague..
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Old Dec 13, 2013 | 02:28 PM
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Oh and the dome light stays on when the doors are closed and it is in the "door" position if that helps???
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