After a year of watching my side marker lights for indications of lock and unlock, I decided to use the search function and research. I decided that after several times of walking back and forth to make sure the cruiser was really locked, I ordered a factory Toyota replacement for a little over $20.00 and installed it last week.
It has worked great every time and I didnt realize how much easier it is to depend on the audible as I am walking away.
I suggest stop "living with it" like I did for too long and treat yourself to an inexpensive repair.