24 hours in with my new truck. A couple questions and some thoughts

I just picked up a 2001 double cab TRD prerunner with the V6 and my 2000 regular cab got stolen a few weeks ago.
Whoa. I didn't expect there to be this much of a difference between 2000 and 2001. Very comfortable. Plus I've now got cruise control and intermittent wipers... I've got more wiper options than "too fast" and "way too fast".
My questions so far:
I've got the automatic transmission. Are the positions for the sifter supposed to illuminate with the headlights, or do I just count the clicks from park to drive when it's dark?
Can anybody tell me what wire I'm looking to cut under the door sill if I want to install a fuel pump shut off switch? And am I really ok just using a 20-30 amp switch and not a relay? People seem to be ok with that with their tacomas, but when I still had my Jeep I was told absolutely to use a relay. But I did have to worry about water crossings and rain too.
Thanks folks!

 

Welcome to TW!

I can help with the first question: yes, the drive position indicators are supposed to light up. Mine stop working once and I gave the plastic bezel a pretty sharp whack with the flat of my hand and the light's been on since haha!

Honestly though, it's only 4 screws to remove it, so it should be fairly easy to access the bulb.

Can't help with the second question though... out of my depth.

 

My shift indicator lights work every one in a while. Same thing with my temp control switch on the dash board.

Why do you want a fuel pump cut off switch?

 

If I'm not mistaken, to prevent theft.

 

My 99 has cruise control and a selectable windshield wiper module. You just must have had different options. Couple things about your automatic transmission. It's a really good trans, but you got to take care of it. Don't use anything for trans fluid other then toyota trans fluid. And if you plan to tow, a trans cooler is imperative. And don't in in Overdrive. Just thought I spread the words of wisdom. As for the shifter, yes it has a light in it that is supposed to light up

 

I tried using a fist hammer right away but it didn't work. I just wanted to check if there actually was a light to replace before I tore it open.

A kill switch on the fuel pump kept my jeep from getting stolen multiple times. I didn't put one in my last tacoma because it had an alarm, but if you re-read my first post you'll see how that worked out.

Every vehicle I've had before this one was very utilitarian so cruise, good wipers, power windows, etc are kind of a novelty to me and in excited to have them. But regardless of changeable options I was surprised by the differences between a 2000 and a 2001 like the seat height and the space inside the cab.

 

What kind of ghetto do you live in where it's common for people to try to steal vehicles? Sometime I don't even lock my doors. My manual transmission is the theft deterrent.

 

East Oakland.

 

Not surprised anymore.

 

Why not just install a kill switch? I had a Mustang where you had to switch on the switch and press the brake pedal to start it.

 

A kill switch for the fuel or for the starter are the easiest to install and remove. A switch for the starter is very easy to bypass and is pretty obvious when someone tries to start the vehicle. Having the motor crank but not catch, or catching and then dying shortly after is less obvious, and a fuel pump kill is harder to bypass. Plus they're making more noise every time they crank it.

That seems like a good plan. I guess I need to actually buy the book for this thing so I could figure out which wire that is.

 

It's easy to see. It is little green relay housing with 1 small bolt holding it to dash frame.

 

Thank you and thank you.
I like this place.

 

That's what we like to hear haha

 

I have a real good solution to your theft problems

Install the get outta the hood mod
its a little thorough but it works most of the time
step 1: get outta the hood
step 2: done

I was joking if you didn't get it.

oh and btw welcome to TW my gfs previous car would have been stolen if it wasn't for a killswitch

 

Was thinking of something like this. Had a few car thefts in my area recently. All I have is the alarm. Would love to have had a manual trans so I wouldn't have to worry about it lol. Will have to try this

 

Believe it or not, I should have been in a different state, sleeping in my old truck and looking for a new house, five days ago. The truck getting stolen set all that back by about a month. In three or four weeks I should be out of the ghetto. And also in a place with better gun laws.

 

If you want to do a shut off switch I would just go to the fuse panel. Find the fuel injection fuse, and cut it either going in or out, and then run that to a switch and reconnect back to the wire