1997 4Runner Question

Hello all,


As stated, I drive a 1997 4Runner that is in relatively good shape considering its age and what all it has been through. However, I am experiencing a problem that I can't seem to wrap my head around.

First of all, the stereo console does not light up. The radio's numbered buttons (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and AC button do light up, but nothing else. This includes the stereo display, knobs, and all of the AC controls/settings. So it's a bit hard at night to listen to the radio and/or try to adjust the AC at night.

Secondly, just a couple of days ago the gear display (reverse, drive, neutral, park, high, low, etc.) next to the gear shifter stopped lighting up. So, at night when you're trying to put the vehicle into reverse, drive, etc. you have to turn on a light to see exactly what gear you're in.

I've checked all of the fuses and even replaced those that I think might pertain to my problem, but to no avail. Nothing has corrected the problem thus far.

I'm guessing that there's not a light bulb that you change behind the radio console and underneath the gear shifter?

Any help is greatly appreciated.



Thanks guys,
Alex Beard

There probably is a bulb to illuminate the shifter.

Check a service manual. There's a link to them in the thread stickied at the top of the main page.

Well, I'd already thought of that. The owner's manual mentions nothing of a light bulb associated with the gear shifter.

It just kinds of makes me wonder if the two problems are in some way connected. Perhaps there's some type of wiring problem that's going on beneath the console.

Thanks for your suggestion, fourwd1. Any others are greatly appreciated!



Best,
Alex Beard