Instrument panel lights only turn on when truck unlocked. . .

I'm having this really weird issue with my instrument panel and climate control lights. I have an after-market alarm, that I'm pretty sure was installed when the truck was new. When I unlock the truck with the fob, all the lights turn on--instrument panel, climate control, dome, headlights, everything. Then when I get in and turn the key and start the truck, the instrument panel and climate control lights switch off, even though I have the headlights turned on. If I lock and unlock the truck using the key instead of the fob, the lights don't come on at all.

This all started after I swapped out my headlight and corner light housings. But I didn't touch the wiring at all, I just unplugged the bulbs and then plugged them back in. The only other thing I've done that could be remotely related is change the bulbs for the climate control lights. But that was a few weeks ago and they worked fine until I installed the new headlight/corner light housings.

Any ideas?? Obviously not a fuse, right, since the lights do come on? I checked the fuses anyway and they're all fine. I'm at a loss. I really appreciate any help.

 

My glovebox light doesn't work unless my key is either in the ACC or ON position.

 

No, I mean they turn off when I start the truck. So I can't see my gauges when I'm driving. Sorry that wasn't clear. I'll edit the post.

 

Got pics of the alarm box? And of your keyfob? Sounds like you have a dealer-installed alarm. Would be helpful to know what it is.

I'm tempted to tell you to unplug the main black box of the alarm and see if it continues, but wary of doing so without knowing exactly what it is.

 

Actually, I think it's just a remote start system. Though it does start honking like crazy if I open the door with just the key after locking it with the fob. But I guess all cars do that.

 

Never heard of any RS3000/RS3200 systems doing that nor on my 04 DC LTD with a factory installed Theft Deterrent system.

Google photo says it's a Chamberlain JLFTX3 remote start and keyless entry.

Is FCC ID JLFTX3 stamped on the back at bottom ?

Since you've only been here a short time and only few posts to find out, how long have you had this truck ?
Do you know if your 01 even came with keyless entry ?

 

Yes, it is the JLFTX3. I've had the truck for about a year. I'm not sure if it came with keyless entry. I figured it was after-market because it's not the Toyota brand fob that I've seen while trying to research replacements. (It doesn't work very well.)

 

Okay, so I had a thought--could it have something to do with the corner light plugs? You know, that part that you push the bulb into? Because I actually did replace those when I replaced my corner lights. I could have kept the ones from the OEM corner lights, but I figured newer was better. I thought I held onto them in case I ever wanted to switch back, but I must have tossed them because I can't find them anywhere. I'd have to buy new ones to test this. . .

 

Not that anyone's following this, but I noticed last night that my fogs and my tail lights don't work either. Brake lights, reverse lights, and turn signals work fine. I ordered OEM sockets for my turn signals just in case that somehow caused this. A resistance thing maybe? I'll report back after I get them in, just in case this thread comes up in a search for someone some day. Next step is bringing it to an electrical specialist.

 

In case you need them, you can find your wiring diagrams here.
Ultimate TUNDRA Wiring Diagrams Collection | Toyota Tundra Forum

You might have crossed some wires when you replaced those lights.

 

Check fuses. Also maybe check one bulb to make sure you've got dual-filament bulbs in the tail light housings.

You didn't happen to install LED headlights did you? They are known to kill fog lights. Resistance too low. This is covered in great detail in the 'So you just bought a Tundra' sticky thread.

 

Nope. In fact I didn't even remove any bulbs. All I changed was the housings. Except for the corner lights because they came with new sockets. I remember reading about the LEDs and the resistance issues. That's what made me think maybe it has something to do with the sockets that came with my cheapo corner lights I got off fleabay. Should have used gone with a well-known brand, or at least used my OEM sockets. I'm pretty sure my tail lights worked before I got the new housings, but I honestly don't know. I haven't touched my fog lights. Though I have new housings for those ready to go in as well.

I'll check my fuses. I only checked the ones for the dash lights, but I should just check them all.

 

Yeah so replacing the sockets with OEM ones didn't do anything, like I figured. Worth a try. But I just noticed someone. My truck has a towing wiring harness and one of the wires is corroded off. Could this effect the tail lights and fogs?

 

Given it appears to be next to the T 6 trailer connector, I'm thinking that is your R 4 Rear Combo Light connector. If the bad terminal and other terminals listed below match color wise, that is terminal 2 that has seen better days and is indeed for Tail light. As for it affecting your Fog lights, off hand I don't see how.

On the fog light subject, do you have DRL and have you made any checks on fog lights ?