I recently picked up a 94 4runner. I disconnected the battery for ~30 minutes to clean around the engine bay and as far as I know I did not disconnect or really jostle any electrical connectors. When I plugged the battery in I noticed a odd ticking noise in the cabin that sounded kind of like a turn signal. Turns out that the running/parking lights flash with that ticking noise and clock blinks as well. Nothing is illuminated on the dash. The flashing comes and goes why driving or whenever the door is open, but goes away with the car off and doors shut.

I was hoping to get some tips to help diagnose this or find out if anyone experienced something similar.

 

My guess is an aftermarket alarm system that's causing this. Remove the lower panel on the dash (panel above the pedals), that's where they're usually installed. The ticking would be the relay in this alarm unit.

 

You got it! Thanks for the quick reply. I guess this light should have been my clue:

 

Same exact thing when I bought my 4r. Weird clicking noise and flashing lights, it was an aftermarket alarm. It's nice having a fob despite the quirks the alarm has