Puddle Lights, 2021 TRD/ORP

Ohhh, I misunderstood you the first time. So you’re saying the lights in the bottom of DOORS don’t have a dedicated fuse.

 

When I changed out my puddle light bulbs to the Meso puddlelights I noticed that nothing inside the mirrors is sealed. Wind and water can easily enter. The OEM bulb does have a rubber gasket, but pressurized water can defeat that. The Meso light has longer wires terminated in a harness connector plug to the OEM socket which I greased up and wrapped it all in self-sealing silicone pipe tape. So far so good.

 

Before the August 2018 production there was no fuse in the 12V power for the mirror puddle lights. The Main Body ECU supplied the power and if the +12V pin of a puddle light socket was shorted to ground (or the other pin), or if you inserted a shorted LED bulb, you’d fry a circuit in the ECU. This happened to several 4Runner owners as reported in this and the other forum. Toyota must have figured this out because they added a fuse in the production after August 2018. Then after August 2019 they made some more electrical changes and they fused the MB ECU differently, for better protection I presume.

On the pre Aug 2018 productions the door foot lights (courtesy lights) are fused by the DOME fuse but for some reason a short in these bulbs will sometimes also result in a blown ECU.

A lot of the electrical circuitry changed in 2020+ model years to incorporate all the safety features etc. and hopefully corrected these fusing shortcomings in the process.

In any case, when replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs test them before installing. Manufacturers do not test them, people have found direct shorts on cheap imports. Or they shorted out at first power-on. Use a 9V flashlight type battery to see if it lights.

 

Wow. Awesome info. Thank you for the detailed follow up. This info could save a lot of time and frustration. And possibly $$.

 

UPDATE from the O/P (me LOL)

Finally figured out the puddle lights operation. For some reason, I was under the assumption that the default setting from the Factory allowed the lights to come on anytime the driver approached the vehicle as long as the key fob was on their person. Well, that's true, at least in my case. But, the doors have to be in the locked position. When I would return home from work the 4R was always parked in my garage. And I never lock the doors when in the garage. So one night I did a test and locked the doors while in the garage. Next morning, leaving to work (early and still dark outside) and not using the garage door opener, I approached the vehicle and sure enough the puddle lights came on. My brain just never put together the doors being lock for the puddle light operation to take effect. I feel somewhat of a dummy. LOL
While at work, the 4R would be parked outdoors and locked. But of course you wouldn't notice the lights coming on in daylight. But one time, I quickly peeked under the mirror, and sure enough they come on. So the lights appear to work as designed. At 71 years old it seems that it takes longer to figure some things out. LOL Thanks for the help guys.

As mentioned above, the puddle lights don't seem to be very bright, even when pitch black. So I'm sure replacing the bulbs with LED's would be useful. And from reading on this Thread shouldn't be an issue with a 2021 Model.

 

Good job on the discovery! You may find a few more not so obvious features here:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/under-rated-features.21828/

And here:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/what-are-hidden-features-on-5th-gens.10727/

As was mentioned earlier, the MESO puddle pods are a great bright upgrade. One of my favorite mods. The trouble is they’re often out of stock, you have to get on the mailing list to be notified.
While waiting for MESO you could replace them with Philips LEDs (168?) from your local auto parts store for a little brighter output. There are threads here and on the T4R.org forum with instructions how to get the mirrors apart.

 

Sylviania Zevo 194/168 (same bulb) are also a good option from a local auto parts store or big box store.

 

Thanks again guys for the bulb information.

Yes, I have found a number of features big and small. As many others have mentioned, that power tailgate window is super handy. And the versatility of the second row seats is really well thought out. Being able to lower the center seat only to transport a long item without having to lower all the seats is really nice. That, along with lowering the tailgate window allowed me to easily load a 10' length of PVC pipe. When you do lower the entire second row of seats, that storage area for the rear headrests is very handy. You don't have to leave the headrests at home or taking up cargo area in the rear. Even the little gas cap holder so the cap is not resting on the painted surface.
If I could add just one item on a wish list, it would be "power" folding mirrors. Would be great for smaller garages and high pressure car washes.

 

did you say power folding mirrors ? there’s also an option to auto roll up windows upon lock

https://youtu.be/zy4NXm8AWgQ

 

Where do you store the head rests? News for me.
Thanks

 

Perhaps referring to 2nd row how it can fold flat and leave headrests in place

 

I did know you could fold flat. I don't know about a "storage area". Perhaps I misunderstood.?

 

2nd row

 

So what is the solution for this issue if it happens

 

The solution to a damaged main body ECU is to buy and install a new or used one.
Take a look at the ordeal this guy went through in this thread.
https://www.4runners.com/threads/we...just-drivers-side-front-and-back-doors.13835/

Lesson learned: Do not replace your incandescent door courtesy light bulbs with cheap unreliable Chinese LEDs. If you do want LEDs, try the Philips brand 168/194 bulbs, your local auto parts store should carry them.