Does anyone know what this light is for?

I just bought a 2017 4Runner and have no idea what this light is for

 

It’s for reading I believe, supposedly it’s there a as convenient light that doesn’t blind you. Pretty sure it can’t be turned off neither.

 

Welcome here @Lilbill

 

Just a convenience light to shine down on your shift, cubbies etc. not too bright, but bright enough to see a little. Can put a piece of black electrical tape over it to cancel it out I guess if you don’t like it

 

That little light which shines on the gearshift, I seem to remember, is a legal requirement and has been for decades. My ‘73 Volkswagen has it, as does my daughter’s ‘21 Subaru.

 

For the 4x4 shifter/knob.

 

Illuminates your selector as others said.

 

I'd like to know more about this requirement.

 

Oh that light? That light illuminates.

 

It's for the spy camera they use to watch you drive.

 

Curious why the Tacoma never had one. Maybe a vestige of some foreign regulation. My father's '11 Subaru doesn't have it either.

 

it's to annoy you while driving at night, so you don't pay attention to the road and wonder what that light is. LOL

Most Nissans have them too. It's to illuminate the shifter area (agreeing with the others) of the console for some reason.

 

Don't remember on my 2008, 2012 FJ's or 2015 Tacoma either.

 

when i put my microphone for my radio in the upper console i just put tessa tape over it

 

I believe it's called a map light.

 

Googling about it, general consensus is it's a simple courtesy light. The Tacoma and my father's 2011 Subaru both had a light in the cubby in front of the shifter. The roof console light probably accomplished the same thing, but being above the driver's head, it can't be as bright.

 

2nd

side note: map light turns into accident when you/passenger put map up to said light to see absolutely nothing n block windshield only to realize your in oncoming traffBOOM

 

^Are Daleks going to pull America out of the upcoming recession this summer?

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

I love how after the original question gets answered we all start sh*t posting.
I can't wait for the day AI starts pulling up incorrect answers from these posts. Should be a good time.

 

I think it's a combination light and microphone. When it comes on, you ask it "What's the largest tire size I can put on?"

 

First time I ever saw a light like this was the family’s 2012 Sonata.

Quick! Someone check if that was removed from the 2025 4Runner SR5!

 

As others have said, it just puts out a little illumination around the center console area to find stuff at night. I kinda like it. My wife's Camry has one, but it has a warm orange glow; much less distracting. I would love to change out the LED, but seems like a lot of digging to get to one component.

 

So kinda on this topic. I go on Reddit a lot. Ive noticed a big change where a lot of threads are started with super generic questions that typically you wouldnt even ask reddit. So generic and bone headed maybe you would be embarrassed to ask the question.

But you would ask AI.

Im thinking that companies are inputting questions they are getting on their AI platforms into social media to help train it.

Again because I've recently seen a transition in the types of posts and questions.

Just interesting

Edit: oh! And I had someone reach out of linkedin who has a weird fake looking profile. They started asking SUPER generic industry questions. So generic I can't even answer. I asked if they were AI and they stopped responding.

 

Behavior like that could ruin forums and destroy the credibility of our bogus anonymous online personae!

 

Interesting. I think you're onto something.

 

Like an A*zon review:

“Customers find the light works well and looks nice to illuminate maps, cubbies, and Daleks. They appreciate its value for money, ease of use, and compact size. However, some customers have differing views on the illumination quality, accuracy, knob-viewing adequacy, and spy camera functionality.”

 

It's there but I've never seen mine come on. What's the way to make it come on?
My gear shifter has been neglected.