Daytime running lights 01 4Runner

Has anyone successfully disconnected the DRLs on a 2001 4Runner? The dealer refuses to do it and I'm no electrician, but there's gotta be a way.

I did it on my '00 Tacoma. It's very easy - locate the DRL relay (mine was just right of the gas pedal, visible without removing the trim. A black box that says DRL RELAY). All you need to do is disconnect the wire from pin #2, I think they're labeled if you look closely. just cut the wire and tape it off to prevent shorts. I personally cut the wire, ran it up to a switch, and back to the relay so I could turn them on or off if I wanted. I suggest disconnecting the battery before you start for safety.

Thanks SUV!

I found the relay and I'll try it this weekend.

SUV,

I found everything where you said it would be, cut the wire, and installed a switch. Pretty easy.

The DRLs will turn off when the car is running and I flip the switch off. However, if the car is already running and the DRLs are off, they won't come on when I turn the switch on. I have to turn the car off and restart it.

It's no big deal, but I want to be sure I didn't screw something up.

Is this how it works on your Tacoma?

Thanks.

Mine will turn on and off with the switch - but there is some kind of circuit that turns them on after the e-brake is released (when the switch is on). I'm sure your 4Runner has some kind of similar circuitry that is causing what you describe. The procedure I told you about was taken from a Toyota service bulletin, so I'm sure you have done it right. I leave mine off, and just turn 'em on if there's light rain or fog.

OK. One more question then I'll leave you alone:

Last night, when I started my car with the DRL switch off, the blue hi-beam dash indicator came on and started flashing, then stayed on solid after about 5 seconds. When I turned on the headlights, the hi-beam indicator went off. Weird.

Have you seen this?

Thanks again.

I haven't seen this happen, but I have an idea about what might be causing it. Does your 4Runner have an optical sensor on the dash? I've seen these on many Toyotas - they sense when it's getting dark, and turn on the lights for you. Looks like a black marble sticking out of the dash. With the DRLs disabled, it's probably just telling you to turn on your lights since it can't do it for you.

Cody

It doesn't have that automatic lights-on option. I thought maybe there was a light sensor anyway, like the round black one on my wife's Camry, but I don't see it.

Oh well, everything else seems to be working OK, so I'm not gonna worry about it.

Thanks for all your help.