Headlights Don't Auto Off.

06 Tundra DC SR5

I had two things happen at once. When I turn the headlight switch to the middle position for the daytime headlights, nothing happens. But when I turn it on the the headlight position, all the lights turn on. When this happened, I also noticed my headlights no longer "auto" turn off when I turn off the car and open the door. This use to be the case.

I've checked all the fuses and relays related to headlights/fog lights/daytime running lights. All of them are good. I also replaced the whole switch assembly, nothing changed.

I've looked around this and other forums, along with Youtube and can't find anyone with a similar problem. Any leads would be helpful.

Thanks

 

Are you running all halogens around the entire truck, or did you install LED headlights/fogs/turn signals recently?

Have you replaced any exterior (not-in-cab) bulbs recently, like, last 6-12 months?

 

Also, have you ever replaced the windshield?

Have you noticed any evidence of leaks into the cab, puddles on floorboards, windows extra foggy on damp mornings, etc.?

Do your in-cab lights stay on when you close the door? (wondering if door pinswitch could be toast)

 

I did replace the reflectors and bulbs with aftermarket "OEM" ones, other than that, they're as close to stock as possible

 

I also had my windshield replaced, but the cab lights behave normally.

 

I'm pretty sure the middle position just turns on dash lights and amber front running light/red tail lights

 

The reason I ask those questions:

• LED headlights cause all kinds of stupid shit to happen with the light circuit unless you install a resistor
• Common cause of electrical stupidity is water leaking onto the fusebox in the dash, most don't notice the water getting in until too late
• @DJenerated is correct about middle position being parking lights only, and fog lights won't work in that position by design. DRL come on while in OFF position. All lights come in at ON position, and fog lights can be toggled.
• Aftermarket alarms (even the dealer installed ones you may not be aware are in there, like KARR or SECURIKEY+) can also cause stupidity with headlights and starting

 

Sorry, I meant this when typing up my question. The amber lights and dash lights don't come on either. Nothing happens in that position. But they do turn on when the headlights turn on.

Much appreciate the help so far.

 

Best I can recon is maybe the headlight stalk is taking a shit on itself, or since you replaced and it's the same, there's an issue where water leaked into the integration relay, or you've got an aftermarket alarm (either dealer ported or shop/owner installed) dicking with the headlight circuit.

Did you test a few things with it in the middle position, like, do the blinkers work? Do the hazards work? Just curious to see if you're getting power to the lights at all, or if the circuit is going dead-dead when the light switch is at the middle position.

 

Is the new headlight switch a cheap part or from Toyota?

 

It was a cheap generic part off ebay.

These are some good ideas, i'll test them out when i get time and see what the results are. When I turn the switch to the middle position, i don't hear any relays clicking. But when i turn the switch to the full on position, i do hear a relay click. This led me to believe it was a bad relay, but i swapped it with a relay i knew was working and it didn't fix it.

 

Yeah, it's likely the part itself causing the issues

 

most likely.

the one i purhcased was $35 off ebay. where as the OEM one from Toyota is ~$200

 

Those bold items might be easily explained but wish to ask anyway.

An 06 Light Control switch has 3 position w/o DRL and 4 position w/ DRL, if we count OFF as a position.
Because of the elec circuitry, it some what matters if your system is with DRL or without DRL.

I'll also add that regardless which system you have, a Dimmer relay will cause what you're experiencing. I realize you checked all relays but since the dimmer relay is in the EG bay, you might not hear it ?

 

I recommend reinstalling the original/OEM part in this case, unless you like electrical gremlins, or frying shit. These trucks don't take well to non-OEM electrical parts, and fleaBay, scAmazon, and WallyWorld's online storefronts are a rampant source of cheap but convincing looking counterfeits.

Damn, this is a good one I would've never thought about!

 

Ya. I reinstalled the original after the ebay one didn't make any difference.

I didn't think about that. I'll look into this. Thanks a ton.