closing the loop on Tacoma beeping

A month ago or so, my 2006 Tacoma started to do what seemed like random beeping (the same beeper as the seatbelt warning, reverse shift sound etc) while we drove.

Replaced reverse switch on transmission, no change; contact cleaner to seatbelt buckle switch, no change.

Some days no beeps, other days beeps.

More recently - very consistent single beep when I stepped in brake also 5 beeps whenever I flipped turn single to right turn position.

Cause found - I had installed additional brighter LED backup lights on the bumper last spring, worked great all summer, fall, and into winter. But the New England salt got to the wiring, corroded and perhaps shorted. I had tapped into the reverse light wire for power since LEDs do not draw much. However, once shorted, the draw confused the system and triggered the beeper. Apparently the several circuits that can trigger the beeper use diodes and a circuit logic that gets altered when unusual drain appears on the trailer hitch wiring.

Cut the power lead to the aftermarket backup lights - no beeps.

Solution, will install backup lights powered off battery with relay triggered by reverse light wire and do a better job at protecting the connections from salt spray.

Some of you had mentioned trailer hitch wiring as an area to focus on - you were correct, thanks.

Bluetaco2006

 

I hate road salt. There, I said it…

I try not to “hate” on much and reserve this term for truly awful things. Road salt is deserving. It is “ hate-worthy”

 

Salt happens... You get the double whammy of being on the Cape. Butt splices, dielectric grease, and, adhesive lined shrink tubing.

I squirt some grease into the butt splice before I insert the wire. The adhesive lined shrink tubing will seal it permanently.

Do a decent overlap with the tubing on the butt splice, and you won't be worrying about it for a long time.

 

Props to the OP for tracking this down. I'm impressed.