Turning off marker lights while vehicle is running?

Heyo 4Runnerites,

as someone who enjoys going to the drive in movie theatre (yes like in the movie “Grease”) one thing on my previous vehicle I could do was turn off my marker lights while having the vehicle running, that way my lights wouldn’t annoy the people around me or flash in the screen (don’t be that guy). Anyone know if you can disable the marker lights or is it more of a removal of bulb type deal?

 

You should be able to turn the headlight switch to DRL off.

Edit: Ah I see that you are in Canada. What about setting the parking brake then starting?

 

The Canadian Vehicle Lighting Regulation requires that all new vehicles sold in Canada have side marker lights that turn on automatically in the dark. This includes cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and heavy trucks. The regulation also states that vehicles must have one of the following:

• Automatic tail lights
  
  
• A dashboard that stays dark to alert the driver to turn on the lights

 

You don't even have an "off" setting for the headlight switch do you? Blame the high heels wearing transport minister:



Tacoma owners have reported success by unplugging the light sensor in the passenger side tweeter grille. Give it a try on your rig?

 

I might just have to, thanks!

 

Fucking Canada… I swear…

 

If you could get privy to a wiring diagram, there's probably a way

 

What if you put a little led light over the light sensor, then it thinks its still daytime.

 

^Unplugging the sensor should do the same. On Tacomas you'd lose the auto-dimming function of the infotainment screen, that's about it.

 

What if BCM errs on the side of caution and permanently lights those markers.

 

The OP could exchange it for one of the blank plugs that people here have removed from their vehicles. I think I still have mine.

 

Given how many folks are running around without lights and with high beams on I honestly would like this here in the States with auto high-beams if the vehicle is equipped with the hardware required already.

But I definitely see that a drive-in theatre is an edge case. The parking brake defeated the always-on DRL’s on my Sonata so maybe it’ll help here.

I don’t think it affects my 4Runner though, but I also have the DRL Off switch option.

 

You could try pulling the tail light fuse (marked TAIL on your interior fuse panel). Easier than pulling bulbs. If it works.

 

I figured out if I put vehicle in ACC mode then they don’t come on, only ish is the lack of A/C in a Canadian summer (yes we have summer it’s not Igloos and polar bears in south-centre Ontario all year round) but oh well what can ya do, thanks for the input friends!

 

If you have led low/high lights, just unplug the DRL bulbs. Drive around with the parking lights on so you don’t get pulled over. Plug in the bulbs for inspections.

 

I like the previously mentioned idea: While at the movie, put an opaque cup/small glass over the sensor and put a small led flashlight inside.

 

You're overestimating Toyota's sophistication. The 4R is the most ancient model in Toyota's North American lineup. Open circuit on the light sensor = bright.

 

I'm in Canada. Parking brake on; start it; no lights. Previous 3 4Runners worked exactly the same.

 

Aren't regulations wonderful?

 

Figured as much. A lot of people don't use their parking brake though.

 

Bill you beautiful bastard…. Thank you.

 

Ahh, yes. They are. I'm constantly reminded of the famous line by Ronald Regan.

“The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘ I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’ ”

 

Absolutely, we need this in the US with all the yahoo’s thinking their DRL’s are lights at night (or just driving with zero lights) or using their high beams.

Sounds like the parking brake fixed this edge case for OP handily.