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Dash illuminated all the time

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by prae, Dec 24, 2009.

  1. Dec 24, 2009 at 8:09 AM
    #1
    prae

    prae [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Calgary, AB
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    06 4x4 SR5 BSP DCLB
    Bilstein 5100s, eibach springs, AAL, TRD anthracite FJC rims, PIAA Fogs, Pace-Edwards hard rolling tonneau
    I bought my '06 used about 8 months ago. One thing I've always wondered about (and haven't had much luck searching around for):

    The gauge cluster is ALWAYS illuminated. Headlights on or off. The rest of dash only illuminates when the headlights are turned on.

    Is this standard or something that was changed by the P/O?
     
  2. Dec 24, 2009 at 8:11 AM
    #2
    NWtacoma

    NWtacoma Well-Known Member

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    Kent,WA
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    265/70/17 bfg AT
    standard. it bothered me at first but it doesnt any more. just make sure that little green light is on if you're supposed to have your lights on.
     
  3. Dec 24, 2009 at 8:12 AM
    #3
    prae

    prae [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Calgary, AB
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    Bilstein 5100s, eibach springs, AAL, TRD anthracite FJC rims, PIAA Fogs, Pace-Edwards hard rolling tonneau
    Thanks. The only reason I ever think about it, is I occasionally will drive a few minutes without realizing my headlights are off. Usually when it's dark out, the gauges are hard to see, thus you realize the need for headlights.

    I'm spoiled since my old highlander had auto lights.
     
  4. Dec 24, 2009 at 8:16 AM
    #4
    P-Dub

    P-Dub Well-Known Member

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    SF Bay Area
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    TRD skid plate, OEM roof rack, OEM running boards, TruckCovers USA rolling tonneau cover, 3000K HID Foglights
    You can just leave your light on all the time they will automatically turn off when you turn off the truck and open your door.
     
  5. Dec 24, 2009 at 8:17 AM
    #5
    prae

    prae [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Calgary, AB
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    Bilstein 5100s, eibach springs, AAL, TRD anthracite FJC rims, PIAA Fogs, Pace-Edwards hard rolling tonneau
    True but leaving them running all day ain't my thing.

    You are correct though. It's nice having a Body ECU take care of killing the lights when I forget to :eek:
     
  6. Dec 24, 2009 at 8:41 AM
    #6
    Terrier

    Terrier Well-Known Member

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    I think it is a nice feature; too bad they didn't light up the 4wd dial.
     
  7. Dec 24, 2009 at 11:09 AM
    #7
    Black Rock Taco

    Black Rock Taco Well-Known Member

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    Winnemucca and Reno, NV, Oakland CA
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    None, yet
    I installed a Direct Electronics DEI 545T; solar cell activated auto headlight unit. They can still be found for around $30. Needs to be hacked a bit, since our Tacos are ground switching. And it needs an extra switch wired if you ever want to turn the headlights OFF at night.

    If anyone is installing one, PM me for info. For a simple install, it does not splice into the headlight switch wiring as the instructions state. Instead, the switched legs of the included relays are connected to ground, then to the headlight and parking light relays. Only time I touch my headlight switch is in rain, fog, snow etc.
     
  8. Dec 25, 2009 at 4:20 AM
    #8
    FoxySandChick

    FoxySandChick Well-Known Member

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    De-badged, limo tint, black wet okole's, weathertechs, extra d-rings, TSB bilsteins
    I just changed the brightness with the control knob on the left so that when the headlights are off the dash is dimmer than when they are on.
     
  9. Jan 19, 2010 at 4:21 AM
    #9
    bmka87

    bmka87 Well-Known Member

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    Southern Maine
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    This doesn't really pertain here but on my 97 tacoma SR5 I noticed this morning that all the dash lights came on when I pressed the brake pedal and I had the keys in my hand. Could this be something as simple as brake light failure or even something common?
     
  10. Jan 19, 2010 at 4:58 AM
    #10
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    '01 & '04 S-Runners
    01 SR: Double Cab conversion, S/C, lowered.
    Probably a short or fault in the taillight units or the wiring. Start by checking your rear bulbs (both tails and brakes) and the ground connections. If you have a tow harness that's a likely suspect, too.
     

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