Can't see buttons in the dark...

Hello,

I just bought a used 2008 Toyota Tacoma and I'm LOVING it! But as can be expected with a used vehicle, its not perfect. Right now, I'm trying to figure out why multiple buttons/knobs are'nt lighting up at night (yes, I have the lights turned on and the cluster scroll thing turned up all the way). Mainly the climate control knobs, rear diff switch, fog lamp switch and the cruise control thing on the steering wheel. Are all of these things related to one fuse? or do they even light up? cant seem to figure this one out.

Thanks!!

 

Welcome to TW! Yes, they are supposed to light up when your headlights are on. Have you checked your fuses? You should be able to locate which fuses to check in your manual.

 

cruise control stalk / wiper stalk / turn signal stock does not light up at all FYI.

 

HVAC bulbs are probably toast . Easy to replace ,the panel just pops out .You can get the bulbs on Amazon!

 

foglight bulb for switch is 90011-01058- be aware they aint cheap...online would be less $$

 

I have a 12 OR and since i've owned it the same exact ones have never lit up. If there is a fix that makes all work i'd be interested as well. But its not that big of a deal. I just leave the fogs on, and never use the locker. If i had to i could pop the light on.

 

Does anyone know of someone on TW that has done a mod of lighting up the window, lock & unlock, and see mirror buttons? I think toyota should have included the lighting into these as it is standard on cars and trucks.

 

It's very annoying. I often also wonder why the gauge cluster is constantly lit, and not on a switch with the parking lights like EVERY OTHER VEHICLE EVER.

 

This is one of the most annoying things at night, especially the lock/ unlock button. I added some amber leds in the switch well by the window switches. Looks ok, works marginally. At least it gets you near the buttons in the dark.

 

Check the fuse for taillight. Also I may not be remembering this correctly and I’m not by my truck but on my 09 some of the switch lights come on when the engine is running and not controlled by headlights being on. The hvac could just be bad bulbs- can’t remember if it’s just 1 for the whole unit or 1 for each switch.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/window-control-led-light.257667/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mirror-control-switch-question.382370/

 

Thanks @Norton !!

 

Do you by any chance have a link. I need one. Appreciate the info.

 

No link ,it has been awhile . Just search Amazon , Tacoma HVAC bulbs and the year of your truck .

 

My last name is Leonard !

 

Just a PSA: if any dealer or licensed car seller in California sells a new or used car in California, that seller is responsible for making sure all the instrument panel lights work, and if not, for repairing them as they’re considered to be safety equipment. Ive bought several of my prior Toyota trucks used and every dealer took care of my lights whenever I brought it in the same week I bought it. Those bulbs are expensive! Sometimes, I just asked and they’d buy the OEM bulbs for me to replace myself when I didnt want to wait.

There’s a bunch more items they are responsible for, read about it here:

http://www.iadac.org/uploads/dynamic_areas/jXwLGzxP3DALFJs4ogp8/31/Safety_Checklist.pdf

 

We are related!!!

 

You never know

 

Thanks! This is great! I'm going to use it to troubleshoot the lights.