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Electrical Issue w/ Headlights

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jb34r5e, Nov 1, 2016.

  1. Nov 1, 2016 at 7:29 PM
    #1
    jb34r5e

    jb34r5e [OP] Member

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    Jamie
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    Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 13
    My 13' DCSB just started giving me some electrical issues that I have been trying to figure out all day.

    The problem is with the headlights (low and high). When the truck is completely OFF, and I cycle the lows to the on position and PUSH the headlight control switch, the high beams do not come on and then shut off the lows (no lows or highs, dark). When returning to the low position the lows do not turn back on. When PULLING the headlight control switch, the high beams come on and stay on as long as I hold it but when releasing back to the low position, they do not come on (no lows or highs, dark). I need to cycle the control switch to off then back to low-on to get lights back.

    When the vehicle's ignition is ON, I can cycle through to the low-on position and use my high beams just fine. However, when I engage the high beams by PUSHING when the headlight control switch is not in the low-on position, the dimm relay will make a weird vibrating noise and NOT turn on the high beams. When PULLING the control switch, high beams engage just fine. High beams return to low just fine.

    I first noticed this problem when my headlights and the green light indicator in the dash were ALWAYS on when the ignition was on. Even with the headlight control switch in the off position, my headlights were on in broad daylight. This is still an issue and needs to be addressed as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
     
  2. Nov 1, 2016 at 8:32 PM
    #2
    Jimmyh

    Jimmyh Well-Known Member

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    It seems to me you have an issue with the stalk switch.
     
  3. Nov 1, 2016 at 8:40 PM
    #3
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    I'd agree. You've shown the relay is operational, leaving the switch as the likely culprit.
     
  4. Nov 1, 2016 at 8:42 PM
    #4
    jb34r5e

    jb34r5e [OP] Member

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    Jamie
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    Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 13
    Ok, so I was testing the lights with the door open. Closing the door solved the issue with the high beams with the ignition off. The only problem that I have at this point is the headlights being on as soon as the ignition is turned on, even though it is in the off position. Is there a light sensor I may be blocking somewhere for the headlights? If not, you're stalk switch idea is probably the best route. It's cheap enough to try before bringing it the dealership. No fault codes. Seems like a small thing, but I dont like driving around during the day with my headlights on.
     
  5. Nov 1, 2016 at 8:47 PM
    #5
    jb34r5e

    jb34r5e [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Male
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    Jamie
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    Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 13
    Is a noticeable click behind the glove box when engaging the high beams normal? I don't know if it is me being hyper aware of sounds now that I am looking for them or a faulty/damaged switch or ecu/bcu damage. I do lightly clean the engine bay, I'm wondering if my recent rinse had anything to do with the sudden change in the headlights always being on.
     

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