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1988 4Runner Instrument Panel Lights Not Working

Discussion in '1st Gen 4Runners (1984-1989)' started by FarmRunner88, Oct 19, 2020.

  1. Oct 19, 2020 at 9:39 PM
    #1
    FarmRunner88

    FarmRunner88 [OP] New Member

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    Hello, I have a 1988 Toyota 4Runner with no Instrument Panel lights. When using the dimmer knob, the A/C backlight lights glow but none of the instrument panel lights come on. Not really sure where to start. I read a forum that stated that the tail lights are on the same circuit. Not sure if that is true. Any advice would be appreciated!
    Thanks!
     
  2. Oct 20, 2020 at 4:15 AM
    #2
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamorous

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    Do any of the indicators light up in the instrument panel, like the turn signals, high beam, E brake, etc.?
     
    FarmRunner88[OP] likes this.
  3. Oct 20, 2020 at 7:11 AM
    #3
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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  4. Oct 20, 2020 at 8:51 AM
    #4
    FarmRunner88

    FarmRunner88 [OP] New Member

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    All of the indicator lights work such as turn signals, e-brake light, high-beams. It's just the backlight glow doesn't function. When you turn the dimmer up you can see the backlights glow where the A/C is but nowhere else.
     
  5. Oct 20, 2020 at 9:01 AM
    #5
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamorous

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    Remove the cluster and check the bulbs. IIRC there are three 194 bulbs that illuminate the gauges.
     
  6. Oct 20, 2020 at 9:07 AM
    #6
    FarmRunner88

    FarmRunner88 [OP] New Member

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    I have checked all of the bulbs and replaced them all with LED's they were not working before I switched them over.
     
  7. Oct 20, 2020 at 10:34 AM
    #7
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamorous

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    Check the tail light fuse, if it is good, check the instrument panel grounds, bulb contacts, and the strips between the bulbs.
     
  8. Oct 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM
    #8
    FarmRunner88

    FarmRunner88 [OP] New Member

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    Okay! Thank you so much for all of this great help. is the tail light fuse located behind the driver side kick panel the 15A?
     
  9. Oct 20, 2020 at 11:05 AM
    #9
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Glamorous

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    Yes the fuse block behind the driver side kick panel, hopefully you can see the fuse diagram.
     
  10. Oct 20, 2020 at 11:26 AM
    #10
    36tacundra

    36tacundra New Member

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    The LED lights have are polarity sensitive. They only work one way + -. They may be installed in reverse polarity.
     
  11. Oct 20, 2020 at 11:28 AM
    #11
    36tacundra

    36tacundra New Member

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    The A/C backlighting shows that the circuit is working properly. So then the problem is the dash or the bulbs.
     
  12. Oct 20, 2020 at 3:38 PM
    #12
    FarmRunner88

    FarmRunner88 [OP] New Member

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    Hello! I spent some time today checking out the fuses and they are all in good condition and not blown. I did a walk around of the vehicle and checked the tail lights and they are working. I think my next steps are to recheck the lights and maybe switch back to incandescent bulbs and I'll see if that solves the issue!
     
  13. Oct 21, 2020 at 11:46 AM
    #13
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

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    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    ScreenHunter_2938 Oct. 21 11.37_A.jpg

    Well, there's the schematic. If the external lighting on the tail light fuse is working, but the lighting of the gauges isn't, it may be the wiring from the fuse to the gauge set, from the gauge set to the rheostat that controls the lights, or from the rheostat to ground. All the colors of the wires are marked on the schematic.

    BTW, from what I could see elsewhere in the schematics, the AC switch light is on an entirely different circuit. Just because it's working, is no indication the gauge lights should or shouldn't.

    I hope this s a small help...
    Pat☺
     
  14. Oct 21, 2020 at 4:37 PM
    #14
    36tacundra

    36tacundra New Member

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    This is correct. The A/C switch itself should only light up when activated.

    So my question is, is the A/C switch lighting up? (the small square light at the bottom left of the heater control unit) Or is the light for the entire heater control unit that lights up?
    IMG_1943.jpg
    IMG_1923.jpg

    My 2nd question is, does the light go out when turning off the dimmer switch? Is the dimmer dimming the light? or does it just go off and on?

    Maybe it is the dimmer.

    Here is the wiring diagram for the 88 with 22re
    IMG_2006.jpg IMG_2007.jpg
    The dimmer is listed as Rheostat (Y) on the second photo.
     
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