Headlight fix - Stalk Switch Repair

[@anthonyhendrickson5505]

There are a few videos on KZbin covering 3rd gen 4runner headlight stalk replacement, and this one is by far the best. The tip about using the column adjustment to improve access is such a pro move- it made the reassembly so much easier than expected. Thank you for a great video!

[@jettsmith9768]

I just replaced my stalk switch after I watched this video and I now have brights that go bright instead of turning off. Thank you!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@jettsmith9768 You're welcome.

[@brendon3386]

And god said, let there be light: and there was light. Great short video Sean!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

It’s lit! 🔥

[@Joe-cu4hi]

I’m having similar issue with my 2010 Venza. Thank you so much for such an easy to follow instructions. I will definitely try this

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're very welcome and good luck!

[@Ionlyexistpardner.]

where you able to fix it. My 2011 Venza start acting up. There are no Venza at pick n pull

[@davidgoedde8170]

Life and time saver Sean! Another great video!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You bet! - Sean

[@DOLRED]

There is a tiny release for inside those female connector blocks which releases their wiring--easier to clean and inspect, but you have to have a tiny screwdriver or such (and a good eye---magnifying device). I replaced a Turn Signal Stalk in a '64 Impala (In 1969) because it broke. That required removing the steering wheel with a puller. I am always concerned about breaking these type parts. To buy them is no joke $$$. Ones in junkers are usually just as worn. Thanks for the video.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

That's a great tip. Thanks for sharing it!

[@joebeal4212]

My 94 Toyata truck the dims work but when I turn it to brights , nothing ? But if I hold back the stick they come on ? Anybody got advice ?

[@angeliquerodriguez8168]

Same for 2005 Nissan altima

[@Wolfgang51501986]

I hate electrical problems... it's good to see a quick easy fix for one possible cause of the problem! Thanks Sean! #sicmods

[@TimmyTheToolman]

💪🏼😎🤙🏼

[@flipperbooch2194]

Thank you! This worked perfectly for my 02 Corolla. I’m adding fog lights and needed to change the stalk. Just know, most Toyotas of similar years are built very similarly, they share as many parts as possible. I’m sure it’s like that with other brands too.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Glad our video helped you out. Yes, there's lot of similarities with common years.

[@TakeThis_L]

same exact issue on my 09 civic

[@johnp8198]

If you have the fog light plugs up front by the lights, you can swap out light stalks for one with a fog light switch. You may need to add the fog light relay and slightly modify that translucent plastic piece that holds the stalk, but I did it on my SR5 to add off road lights. Stock look inside and adds whatever lights you want. Thanks for the vids!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

This is true, but important to note that the fog lights only became an option from 99-2002. 96-98’ models did not have the wiring.

[@johnp8198]

100% correct, thanks for adding that caveat!

[@MarkamisPrime]

Dude man. Sic video. Sic mod. Easy fix. Let’s go snow wheeling

[@TimmyTheToolman]

let's do it!!! - Sean

[@jscottyson]

Love these videos!!! Especially with valuable information included. (:

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Glad you like them!

[@christophergoodwin6846]

Thank you for making this video, I was literally just about to work on this!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Anything for you Chris - Sean

[@rlg222]

New to your channel. I'm having the same problem in my 2002 4Runner. I've tried all the basic troubleshooting. I wasn't thinking it could be that switch.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

So did you remove your headlight stock to investigate? - Sean

[@thassaloid]

It looks like the terminal on the harness plug was a loose fit on the corroded pin on the stalk. I'd tighten it up or replace it as a loose connection could cause the overheating again.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good point! I suspect something got on the pin causing a weak connection, but it's hard to imagine anything getting in there besides a liquid of some sort. - Sean

[@fahimanwar94]

Hey Timmy, question if you don't mind. So I have a 2004 Toyota Highlander and for some reason the rear running tail lights aren't working. The front headlights and high beams work fine, all turn signals work fine too. The license plate lights on the rear also don't work. What happens is every time I turn on the switch, the 10 Amp Tail Fuse keeps blowing. I disconnected the rear bulbs from their connectors, that didn't fix it. Disconnected the license plate lights (and bulbs) and that didn't fix it. So finally decided to unplug every connection in the rear including where it connects from the rear before the tailgate to ensure that nothing in the rear is causing the 10 Amp fuse to blow, but it still blew anyways.. My guess is that it's the switch because we replaced the Tail Relay too and from a diagram we found the only things part of the circuit are the relay (we checked) the switch, the bulbs (we checked) and harnesses (we checked), but curious how you decided to look at the switch rather than headlights, fuses, etc. (Or did you already look at that and that's how you determined to look at the switch?). Anyways I unplugged the switch (it was setup pretty much exactly the same as your 4Runner) and didn't see any terminals burnt. Do you think it could still be problem? And would you recommend replacing it? I just can't to seem to figure out what else it could be other than a short somewhere, but I checked about every wire in the tailgate and unplugged it and everywhere else is pretty closed and doesn't move around much so can't imagine where else a short would be if there was one so assuming it has to be the switch, but didn't see anything burnt. Thanks in advance!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

It sounds like a main power wire is grounding out. A place to investigate is any wire that bends all the time, like wires running to a rear hatch that opens and closes. The wires fatigue and break from all the cycles of bending over the years. We fixed wiring on my 98 4runner running to my rear hatch in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJnRgq2uZ6eHi9E

[@joenelvlogs2988]

Thanks for the video!!!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for the comment! We appreciate it 😎🤙🏼 - Sean

[@marcuscurtis3773]

Just ran into this issue, thanks Sean and Timmy!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome!

[@courageous78]

Quick question. I replaced my stalk (it was so worn all the white writing was worn off). I found one at junk yard , like new. Easily swapped it out. Now sometimes when I flip the “right” turn signal on it makes a loud buzzing sound and it won’t signal, I’m assuming letting me know it’s not signaling. play with it a few times and it will work. Never any issues when using Left turn signal. Clean up contacts grease connectors or need a new stalk? Just wondering if you’ve ever came across this issue?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I was experiencing that same weird buzzing sound on occasion… I attribute it to the contacts not making a good, solid connection. I would remove it, clean up the contacts, and reinstall it. Let us know what the contacts look like when you remove it. Curious if they are squeaky clean or corroded slightly. - Sean

[@phillipdown5904]

Hi Tim I think the guy who had my volkeswagen T4 1998 before me , seems like he disconnected the headlights and main beam and connected them to 2 separate switches on the dash..so the main beam won't work from the stalk, the indicators are fine but want to change it back can you help please Phil

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Sorry Phillip, you're asking for help for a vehicle we have no experience with. Your best bet is asking for help on a Volkswagen forum.

[@panike]

Thank you for the video. My 01 Tacoma has the exact same issue and I couldn't figure out the problem. Is the 4 runner stalk compatible with Tacoma?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

It doesn’t look to be the same as the 4runner unless you have a base model 4runner. My limited’s have another portion on the switch. My initial research shows the Tacoma stalk also came on RAV4’s and Corolla’s of the same generation. - Sean

[@panike]

@@TimmyTheToolman I took out the stalk switch and it was the same burnt contacts. I cleaned it with contact cleaner and sand paper and it's working again.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@panike fantastic news!

[@JaysRcs671]

Im having the same issue, but high beams also dont work. Ive replaced the stalk but no change. Ive checked the fuses, relays and headlight bulbs and they are fine. The only time the headlights work is when in drive and drls kick on. What do you think i should check on next?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Hard to say exactly. Did you inspect the connector thoroughly that is part of the steering column/clock spring connection? Or do you live in a rural area? Maybe a mouse nibbled on some wires? Did it just not work one day, or was it spontaneous? - Sean

[@forsale313]

What did that Beautiful Steering Wheel come out of?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

LEXUS ES300

[@stevenisacoolname2]

Nice work as always Sean! sicmods!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thank you! Cheers! - Sean

[@blaizejenkins7631]

Is it still working a year later? About to do the same repair.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Yes, still working great! - Sean

[@Klikklikboom0911]

How did you know you needed a headlight stalk? My headlights low beams don’t work but high beams do. How did u narrow that down ?😊

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Did you watch the video? Sean pulled out the headlight stalk and found signs of arcing at one of the connectors. So, Sean simply did some investigating and found the issue. He cleaned up the connector and it was good to go.

[@Klikklikboom0911]

@@TimmyTheToolman usually you’d start at the fuse/ relays/ wiring etc- not start at taking the car apart

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@Klikklikboom0911 I'm guessing Sean checked for a bad fuse first but I think the high and low beams are on the same circuit. Looking at a wiring diagram and tracing wires and relays? I don't think he did that. Getting the turn signal stalk out is pretty easy as Sean demonstrated in the video. I'm also guessing he read up about this problem before embarking on pulling the headlight stalk. So, just a suggestion, maybe remove your headlight stalk and see if you have the same issue Sean did. Or, you can trace wires, test relays, and whatever other diagnostic steps you would like to do before removing the headlight stalk. Good luck.

[@HT7980]

My lights are always ON in any position while the vehicle is on and running. Wonder if this would be a fix?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

what year is your vehicle. My 2002 has daytime running lights so they get switched on 100% of the time when I start driving. There is a wire you can cut to modify this feature and essential disable your DRL's. - Sean

[@HT7980]

@@TimmyTheToolman maybe that’s what it is, I also have a 02

[@isaactubonemi3512]

Hey man, I had the opportunity to find a 4runner at the junkyard. However, I couldn’t turn the steering wheel to get to the screws. How did you go about that?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

1 option is to disconnect the shaft down by the gas and break peddle. By removing this connection, the steering wheel will move around freely. To get an idea of how to do this, check out this video Steering Play Fix kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqSyoaedpcumnsk - Sean

[@tavolander8259]

Where did you get that rear window switch?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

96-98 had those switches in the arm rear/center console… but the up and down are opposite. A Hilux surf from the same years has the opposite up/down writing in the switch. Long story short - it is a Hilux surf rear window switch. - Sean

[@tavolander8259]

@@TimmyTheToolman thanks Sean. Appreciate the support!

[@benaldredge2671]

Awesome information. Thank you for posting!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Glad it was helpful! - Sean

[@FeistyKev]

Nice tutorial !

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BRAINRAY]

Hi Sean! UPDATE: I took your advice and added some dielectric grease to the connector. It worked! 😊 The lights are now working normally! I'm thinking of wrapping the connector with tape to protect it a bit. I was wondering if the problem was caused by installing brighter halogon lamps from Silver Stars? Also, last December l bought during a black friday sale a pair of TEQ custom headlights ! I'm hopeful I won't have any issues when I install them in a couple of months! I inherited my 2000 4Runner from a very dear friend who passed away in 2013! So little by little the old girl is coming together again! So any help I can get is greatly appreciated! Greetings from Puerto Rico!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Sicmods bro! We are stoked our channel is helping you get your rig in order.. if your light stalk is working and functioning normally again, I see no issue with the TEQ customs lights you got. We also have a video on the installing of their product as well so go check it out! - Sean

[@BRAINRAY]

Hi Sean! Thank you for your quick replies! I was wondering if it's possible to change the connector for a new one? I know they are no longer available from Toyota. I see in some KZbin videos that some connectors can be depinned and reused. Is it possible with this connector? I bought a used one, but I can't get it depinned! If it's possible, why don't you guys make a video on it! It would be a lot of help to us fans, not to mention yourself who also has the same problem! 😊

[@CarlosHERNANDEZ-nz3el]

This looks easier on the 4Runner!! It’s way different on my 98 T100!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

That's unfortunate.

[@BRAINRAY]

Hi Sean! Thanks for the video! I have the exact problem on my 2000 4Runner. Same slightly corroded pin and connector pin. I installed a new stalk no fogs but still no change! I did not add any die electric grease, do you think it might help? Also have you had any issues lately with the stalk again? Just curious to know if the fix worked. Once again thanks and greetings from Puerto Rico! 😊

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I haven’t had any issues since I replaced the stalk, technically I didn’t actually replace the stalk, I just cleaned up the connector and put it back in, but I wanted people to know that they most likely would have to replace that part. I’d say for you, try to get a good look inside the connector and attempt to clean it up in there. It’s so bizarre how something could get in there and cause a short. I’m not sure dialectic grease would help unless it helps the connector be made - bottom line, it couldn’t hurt. - Sean

[@kirbydavis2236]

I saw one video where they removed the whole steering wheel

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Sounds excessive if all you need to do is access the electrical connections for the stalk itself. 🤷‍♂️

[@ShaunRamage]

Not me thinking I had the wrong channel for second “that’s not Timmy!”

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We're a team but sometimes we make videos separately for our channel. - Timmy

[@ShaunRamage]

Oh it’s a great vid, about to go try it out rn - you’re my go to channel for everything on my 4Runner

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@ShaunRamage Thanks! We appreciate what you said.

[@andyloechler9896]

sick mods brother!

[@TimmyTheToolman]

😎

[@therandomchannel2022]

Looked like maybe the stalk was wet when you removed it so i'm thinking that's what probably corroded that terminal.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good eye! that wetness was actually the factory grease that had been moved around as I was handling the stalk and trying to film. Either a loose pin or something could have dripped into there. - Sean

[@garywhipple3333]

What size screw

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Gary, we try our best to give people everything they need to succeed, but sometimes you need to figure out some things for yourself. I'm sure once you're in there, you will quickly figure out what size screwdriver you need to remove the screws. Get yourself this JIS Screwdriver set and you'll be golden: amzn.to/31nlP0f

[@garywhipple3333]

@@TimmyTheToolman It's a hex head nut I have tried many different sockets nothing seems to fit, I realize I have to figure some things out for myself, don't bother replying I'll find someone who knows cause apparently you don't, thanks anyway.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@garywhipple3333 You said screw. Now it's a nut?

[@garywhipple3333]

@@TimmyTheToolman It's a screw with a hex head don't worry about it I'll ask someone who knows.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@garywhipple3333 If it's the screw I'm thinking of, you need a Torx screwdriver or socket.

[@j-pat6972]

If someone out there is having trouble turning on the foglamps (maybe for an inspection) and It wont turn on, the reason that is because foglamps don't turn on if brights are on. Short story: I turned off the lights and looked at the switch and I saw 2 pieces of metal not making contact with each other (since the brights were switched on) and assumed it was broken since somehow it was bent. I went to Orielys and returned it since when I received it coincidently was on brights when I received it, then opened up the old one to realize that a plastic object moved the metal that disconnects the foglamps when brights were on. Wasted so much time figuring out how to control the foglamp. How was I supposed to know foglamps turn off when turning on brights?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Thanks for sharing this information on the fog lamps.

[@FREEAIR_1973]

same tham me, same lever, !!!! toyota celica 96 7afe, thank uuuuuu & regards from Spain, Catalonia.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

You're welcome!

[@sfbeninati320]

How about this: My 2000 tacoma right blinker will turn to a steady light anytime I press the brakes. Wasn’t always this way, but around 2012 it’s been on and off again. Sometimes it self corrects temporarily but for the most part it malfunctions. Any body got solutions for this?

[@TimmyTheToolman]

I would remove it and inspect like we did in this video. If nothing stands out visually, swapping the stalk could give you an idea if the original stalk has an issue

[@jayg5350]

May i know the part number? Thankyou in advance

[@TimmyTheToolman]

We don't know the part number for the headlight stalk. You can most likely figure it out by going onto an online Toyota parts seller's website.

[@ianflaherty5062]

oh i hope this solves my problem, wish me luck :D

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Good luck!

[@gaizizy1894]

I have an issue with my toyota hilux 2kd head light not working and dash light with tail lights when turn on..Only signal lights are working and brake lights. Anyone with the same issue? All fuses are checked ok. I'm suspecting the switch now

[@aneesjawad-yl9zh]

thanks

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Anytime! We hope this video helped you with your issue. - Sean

[@richardnava4141]

Excelente, el mejor..

[@TimmyTheToolman]

Muchas gracias Richard.

[@jameslast3192]

Better just to replace the stock to minimise the risk of fire.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@jameslast3192 cleaning the contacts is safe enough, this shouldn’t start a fire and furthermore, a fuse should pop before the wiring heats up past a point of concern. - Sean

[@jameslast3192]

@@TimmyTheToolman I’m a firefighter so I’m a bit over cautious. For the sake of a few dollars I’d sleep better at night replacing it. My 2006 Toyota is doing this atm. I can hear it sparking so the video is helpful knowing I can easily replace it myself. You can get new ones from China for about 15 USD.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

@@jameslast3192 They might be new parts from China but they aren't on par with OEM Toyota parts. But, it's your truck and you can do as you see fit. Good luck!

[@nheliotis25]

Troubleshooting Japanese electronics >>>

[@TimmyTheToolman]

😎🤙🏼

[@Joe-ge2es]

Atta boy.

[@TimmyTheToolman]

🤘🏼

[@denisalibekov2016]

Привет покажи лучше как увеличить мощность на компрессоре трд 3.4L

[@TimmyTheToolman]

👍🏻