4th Gen T4R in the Texas Hill Country

I've got a 2003 4Runner with 265,000 miles. No rust. Runs great. Just replaced the shocks, struts and sway bars. Thinking I can get it to at least 300,000 However, things are starting to fail. I currently have a wiring gremlin that has darkened both my dash-illumination and more importantly my tail-lights. All other lights work forward and aft, interior and exterior. You can see on my post what I've done so far. Hoping someone has experienced this previously and can point me in the right direction.

 

Welcome...

the "SEARCH" is your friend

 

I did "Search". No luck. I loath asking for help and tend to first exhaust all other options.

 

welcome

 

Welcome Onboard.
Your question is unique. You did the right thing.
Hopefully someone experienced will chime in.
Any water ingression or rats possibilities?

 

No rodent evidence that I can see. No water/dampness that I can see or smell.

 

Welcome from central Texas. I've see other cars have this be the brake light switch under the brake pedal or do the check every single fuse option, no matter what it is listed as.

 

Thank you for the lead. Will check after dinner.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

I second the check every fuse idea, then test light at tail light socket moving along the wiring harness toward the fuse box. Damage from vermin can be in places where eyes can’t see in most cases, dark places above frame rails. Look for their nests tucked in small places. Unfortunately, they like the taste of the wiring loom covers and the wire insulation itself. Good luck and welcome to the forum Keith.