2022 4runner auto dash dimming sensor

Howdy Fellow 4R enthusiasts.

any idea where one could buy a auto light dimming sensor (sits on the dash behind the windshield)?
I believe the one they provide out of the factory is just dummy plug.

 

$65 JESBEN 89121-30020 Automatic Light Control Sensor Headlight Sensor Replacement for Toyota 4Runner Corolla RAV4 2019-2021 Highlander for Lexus IS250 IS300 IS350 RC300 RC350 LC500 LC500h

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B73ZPNFH

 

I purchased a few of Auto Dimming Sensor on eBay that were OEM for me and my wife's 4Runner, it took about 2 weeks to get worked great and in OEM packaging. Supper easy install.

 

Watch this Video before installing.

 

I did the same thing, bought on eBay for $43.

The key is to find a Toyota compatible 4-pin inline connector (one pin is cut but still uses the four pin connector harness). I believe mine was listed as compatible with the Highlander. Toyota did not change sensor circuits, but the connector did change.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/204054730534?ssspo=CpWZfOphRgm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=opgKfRHd

The one thing I was disappointed with my 2023 ORP was that the clock does not go brighter with daytime headlight use. All the other dash lights and head unit adjusts accordingly. If I recall correctly, my 2020 OR had everything brighten up with daytime headlight use, including the blue LED clock.

 

Thank you all for your valuable responses. This forum is so rad.

 

Just be sure to get the right one as @TeslasBigCarbonFootprint points out. Pre-2020 uses a different sensor than newer ones. The one listed above is for 20my and up.

 

I think it's one of those cases where the 4Runner is years behind other models. I believe that the sensor for the 2018 Highlander is what is currently being used on the 4Runner. Kind of like the 2016 key for the RAV4 started being used by the 2020 model year 4Runners. Complete disconnect, but expected from the incredible engineering team that makes great engines, just not a lot of good consumer-oriented decisions.

All I can say is that the one I linked to eBay (above) does work.

 

@TeslasBigCarbonFootprint
It's all about maximizing parts supply and integrating accordingly. The toyota manufacturing philosophy is unique. "Lean Manufacturing" they call it. Funnily enough, the currently produced sensor and part# for these is a Lexus part.

 

I am very aware of Toyota's manufacturing philosophy. Having bought so many other Toyotas, I still see where they could have made simple improvements. And don't get me started about how every car has a different steering wheel control layout. I hate that! With that same philosophy, I also love the fact that, my 2018 Prius had a mid-year production change to the canister oil filters.

Toyota is like the hot girlfriend that you can appreciate 99% of what she does, but it's that 1% that bugs the f out of you

A little biographical information, I have extended family directly involved with leadership at the Nissan Corporation and my brother-in-law was Imai Masaaki's editor and consultant in his later years until his death a couple of months ago.

I also had the pleasure of helping a friend prepare a Kaizen program for the Federal Aviation Administration back in the early 1990s. Instead of calling it "total quality management" I suggested the inane "team quality management" since we were dealing with an ethereal product rather than a commodity. Yikes.

As for using the Lexus sensor, since quite a few of the 4Runners are built in the Lexus factory, not surprising.

 

@TeslasBigCarbonFootprint

Maybe my favorite truck Ive ever owned was a 89 Hardbody. That saw life as both a lowrider(120k miles) and as a lifted 4x2 trail runner(another 80k). Indestructible. The absolute worst vehicle I ever owned was a 2003 Frontier crew cab. Got rid of it before it hit 10k. Spent a little over a year working at the Canton plant. Will NEVER buy another Nissan again.

 

But do you have a brother in law who is a certified Toyota mechanic?

 

Renault killed the brand in 2000. I doubt they will recover. The corporate philosophy does not scream "quality."

 

When you have the sensor installed, are there only two brightness levels attainable once the headlights are turned on? Either “bright” or “dim”? (As opposed to manually “scrolling” the full range of low to high of brightness, if that makes sense)

 

You have full control

 

As others have mentioned, just make sure to verify the P/N for your vehicle model year! There were some variations.