Tacoma SR Access cab running lights

My basic Tacoma SR Access Cab does not have running lights. I use the parking lights. If I forget to turn them off, they will auto shut off in time. Is there a "plug and play" accessory that would make them auto on and off?

 

Also interested in this. Insurance co offers discount for -automatic- DRL. Was surprised this wasn’t included on the SR.

 

That's odd. I have a 2017 SR, and it came with DRL. They shut off when I turn the key off They come back on when I start the truck and put it into gear. 5 spd.

 

Are you guys looking for the parking lights to come on automatically? Like whenever the truck is running? As someone who has added automatic low beams to his SR (2019 didn't have this feature), I can tell you it can be done. It can also be made plug and play to a large degree. There might be an ignition fuse tap involved, but it wouldn't be too hard. Let me know exactly what you're looking for, and we see what we can do. But if you are just looking for DRL like @9th points out, that's just a stalk setting. I can make it so the DRL is "always" on as well if that is what you are looking for I suppose. I use the quotes there because you would still want the DRL to dim when the headlights are on like they are supposed to.

 

It sounds like they are operating as intended. What is the issue?

 

I think for the insurance purposes, it has to be automatic (when you turn your vehicle on), not a stalk setting. And second, it needs to be the headlight-type DRL, not just the parking or marker lights. On my Subaru, there is an extra bulb in the headlight assembly for the DRL. It’s not meant to light up the road, just to make the car more visible to oncoming traffic.

So, yes, I’m interested in adding the ‘automatic on’ feature for the parking/marker lights. (and maybe mod the headlights later) Still interested in the cab marker lights, or anything else that will alert these phone-addict drivers that there is, in fact, another vehicle on -their- road.

 

I have an SR5. If you have an AUTO setting on your light stalk and turn that on do you not get the DRL ambers?

 

Let me do some thinking on it, but it should be pretty straight forward. It should all be doable right inside the cab, but we will have to grab an ignition source from somewhere. The fuse box would be the easiest place, just using a fuse tap. The current would be super low, so the added load won’t be a factor. I just need to make sure there aren’t any odd side effects. When I did this on my truck (auto low beams, controlled by a photocell and some timers) I discovered that if you make the DRL come on, it kept it in with the low beams. So I had to work around that a little. But Parking lights should be different, so it should be much easier.

 

You do. In auto, the DRL will be on unless the truck senses it is dark outside, then it will switch on the headlights. When the low beams are on, the DRL is still “on”, but gets dimmed. Is what these guys are looking for is for the DRL and parking lights to be on whenever the truck is running.

 

What do you mean by "running lights?" DRL's?

 

I am glad I am not the only one that is confused here.

 

I have a SR. Does yours not have it on the stock? You can also adjust the DRL in vehicle settings on the multi-media screen.

 

2023 SR. Stalk settings are: Off - Auto - Park - On. Oddly enough, the ‘off’ position is labeled ‘DRL Off’. And, I just confirmed that in the ‘auto’ position, the headlights turn off when it’s light out. (Held flashlight over light sensor on pass side - headlights turned off.)

So - no headlights during daytime, and so no DRL. Unless I just turn the lights all the way on. Why, Toyota, why?

 

Thanks, I’ll check the settings tomorrow.

 

You’re welcome. Sometimes in Park the DRL (in the auto setting) do not come on until you shift into Reverse/Drive. Saw this a couple times in the reflection of my other trucks tailgate, thought it blew a fuse…shifted out of Park they came on. It was a “ah-ha” moment. Believe that happens when you first start it.

 

This is the most basic, cheapest model (no back seat cushions), I called a dealer and the parts department says there are no running lights (DRL) on that model. I am going to get in the "Vehicle Settings". If I can change the "Timer" to 15 seconds, I'll just leave the parking lights on.

 

Ok, I have the one step above with the V6 so that is the difference.

Is it prewired? Can you just change out the stock? Know you use to be able to do that with the intermittent wipers before it became standard.

 

Confirmed this today while out running errands (and I wasn’t going mad)

Started, in Park, DRL were off, put it into reverse and took a couple seconds to come on.

 

I got into my settings and reduced the time to 0. I can leave the parking lights on, they come on when I start and go off when I turn the ignition off. I'll be happy with that because I have tail lights too. Never understood why the DRL weren't in the back too.

 

It is odd there is no rear DRLs, on desert race vehicles they run amber for being seen in the dust.

Have come closer to being rear ended more times than I can count vs. having a head on.