Has Anyone Been Successfull in Programing Dash Backlights Through Tech Stream Software?

Love my new 2020 Tacoma Sport, but would really like to get the dash Back Lighted with the headlight switch in "Auto" position. I find I must turn on the running lights or headlights in order to read the gages in sunlight conditions while I am wearing sunglasses. I have owned a 2007 Avalon, 2011 Avalon, 2014 Highlander XLE and currently own a 2019 Highlander XLE. I found that all of them had bright, backlit dashboards when the headlight switch was in "Auto". I wrongly assumed this was a Toyota design principle.

I have seen a couple of threads talking about programming through Tech Stream software that the dealers all use for service. Has anyone actually done it and if so, what is the parameter number. I would like to educate my dealer on how to do it if it is possible.

Thanks for your help.

 

I didn't see anything pertaining to that when I was hooked up to my truck, I could have missed it though because I wasn't looking for it

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

you can adjust the adjust the brightness. There’s a knob for it.

 

Thanks for your reply.

The backlight brightness is already all the way up. It only provides adjustment in the running light and headlight positions. My problem is I would like the dashboard backlighting to be on in "Auto" headlight mode.

 

Just run a jumper wire, do we have a cluster and headlamp switch diagram?

 

That is my last resort. I am trying to keep the warranty on my $43,000 two week old truck intact. I am hoping that it can be done using Tech Stream by the dealer. So far, does not look promising.

 

You can adjust the sensitivity of the “auto” function. Check your owners manual.

 

I have already done this. Still does not solve the problem of no backlighting in daytime when wearing sunglasses unless you manually turn the lights on.

 

Not a Tech Stream solution, a physical one:


Identify the PANEL fuse (5A Brown)



Remove the 5A fuse.
Identify the side to the circuit (1A_55) and the power source side on the fuse panel.
Get 2 add-a-fuse and crimp them.
Select an IGN ONLY source at the fuse panel.
One add a fuse will have the selected IGN ONLY fuse on the bottom slot of the add-a-fuse, the top will need a 5A one.
On the other add-a-fuse, the bottom slot will remain EMPTY. The top will also have a 5A fuse.
Place this one correctly, since you'll be bypassing the Parking/Tail/Illumination relay power source.
The tapped IGN ONLY source will power the dash illumination at start up. (You will not have the choice of dash illumination OFF while vehicle is ON.)
This will power the combination meter to do what you want, illuminate without the Parking/Low Beams ON.

I am unaware of internal conflict of the AUTO lights since it's function is to provide a ground to the Parking lights and Headlights circuit via the sensor setting.
I do not know if the system will interpret and CEL due to having power to the Combo Meter before the sensor input provides it. (low light parking, lower light headlamps)

It's just a suggestion...

 

Leave drl on or headlights switch to on. They auto shutoff anyway when you turn truck off and exit and the timer runs out.

 

Tag for potential solution, I have this same problem. Do not understand why the cluster isn’t backlit during the day.

 

Exactly. Why is this an issue? Leave the drls or headlights on always.

 

Ever see a car driving around in the dark with only the DRL's on? That's why. No backlit dash means no lights.

 

Agree, I would be upset if my Taco had 24/7 backlit gauges. I thought that concept died in the mid-2000s with Nissan and their porthole gauge cluster...

What exactly do you need to see in daylight with sunglasses on? Isn’t the large, digital speedo enough?

 

It must be a huge inconvenience to have to turn your headlight switch from auto to parking light to get the cluster to illuminate. And then to have to remember to turn it from parking lights back to auto or on when it’s dark out.

3rd world problems.

 

No problem at all. Just really irritating. Why does Toyota treat the Tacoma like an orphan compared to all the other cars they make.

 

I want to thank everyone for their replies. I have written and spoken to Toyota in Texas, had my dealer check into this (while online programming an extra key fob) and no one has replied that they have successfully done this via programming. Apparently, it cannot be done. The post from Caribe Makaira showing how to do this by hard wiring appears to be the only alternative. For now, I will just live with the poor design. At least the speed display between the tach and speedometer is visible with sunglasses, turning up the brightness all the way. Thanks again to everyone who replied.

 

No. The alternative is just to leave the drls or headlights on while driving.....

 

In YOUR year/version truck, you get the dash to perform like the OP wants when the DRL is selected?