Here is one for the record books...

Has anyone heard of this kind of thing? If so, I could use the benefit of your experience.

Recently the factory installed OEM base model multimedia system in my 2015 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Access Cab pickup died. Oh, everything still worked as it should but it would not make any sound whatsoever. The unit was diagnosed by both a Toyota technician AND a technician at a local, reputable car audio retailer/installer. It was well and truly dead and beyond repair.

I had the unit replaced with a Kenwood DMX709S head unit with the auxiliary iDataLink Maestro unit.

Everything works just as it should.
LIGHTS
Except...

Every time I press and hold the VOLUME UP or VOLUME DOWN icons on the Kenwood screen to cause a sustained increase or decrease of volume, the HAZARD LIGHT INDICATOR LIGHTS begin to flash on the dash just as if I had switched on the hazard lights with the dedicated HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH. I don't know if the hazard lights themselves illuminate outside the vehicle since I am always driving at the time and have not been able to replicate this when the vehicle is stopped.

Just to complete the picture, this anomaly occurs while I am driving, with the car heater operating, and operating the multimedia system. I have not the slightest clue as to what is going one here and would greatly appreciate any suggestions that you may be able to supply.

Thanks much.

 

The dash kit needs to be fitted around the hazard button better. The Scosche kit(I’m guessing) has too small an opening for the button, and needs to be filed a bit. When you press the volume controls (above the hazard button), you inadvertently make contact with the hazard button when the kit flexes a bit from pressure. IMO, of course.

 

^that makes the most amount of sense.

easy to test for too. instead of pressing the volume up/down, press on the bezel around the radio with a similar force and similar amount of time.

 

Brilliant!

I am not sure what amazes me more; the speed with which you provided a practical cause (and solution) or the fact that I am able to make sense of the answer!

Thanks much for the information and the quick and easy test. I will give this a try at the earliest opportunity.

The good folk here at TacomaWorld really do know their stuff!