Dome light circuit problem (2 Viewers)

[CharlieS]

Except the rare things that involve alternating waveforms (like O2 sensors). Those require a little more knowledge.

 

[jonheld]

where would you have a guy like me start to learn how to read those electrical wiring diagrams, then put them to use in tracking down issues?

In addition to what @Malleus posted, I would suggest a book or an online tutorial for basic DC circuits. That's going to cover more than 90% of the 80 Series. Notable exception would be the ECU, but even that can be diagnosed to an extent with a decent meter.
Learning the basics of DC circuitry, purchasing a good meter, learning how to use it, and learning how to read schematics, will put you on the right path.

Just keep in mind that I've been doing this kind of thing for over 40 years. I'm old and crusty with a bit of mold around the edges.
Don't get frustrated, take your time, and practice over and over again.

 

[man0fsteel]

There are Toyota technical training publications, if you want to know how Toyota goes about it. I'd start with the Electrical Wiring Diagram(s) for your truck(s). The first several pages explain basic troubleshooting. There are also Toyota publications on how to use a digital multimeter (DMM) for troubleshooting Toyota systems.

Look in the Resources section under the heading "UNCLASSIFIED":
View attachment 3814602

This is a great starting point. Thanks - So cool that Toyota has publications on how to use the DMM among other things!

 

[man0fsteel]

Except the rare things that involve alternating waveforms (like O2 sensors). Those require a little more knowledge.

Yeah for sure. But for now, it's baby steps for me.

 

[Pabloff]

Man...I bow down to guys like @Malleus and @jonheld! So I'm a novice mechanic at best (I can do oil changes with the best of 'em and replace serviceable parts with some instructions...) but when it comes to electrical, esp in a car, I'm pretty lost...but not a dunce. I'd like to learn how to diagnose and my LC's electrical issues (currently I have 3...a parasitic drain, my front wipers don't work and I *think* it's electrical, and lastly, my middle and rear dome lights don't come on when the respective doors/tailgate open). I do have a multimeter but I only use it when a youtube video tells me exactly what to set it on for a specific task.

That being said, where would you have a guy like me start to learn how to read those electrical wiring diagrams, then put them to use in tracking down issues? YouTube for Car Electrical Dummies? Local Adult school for aspiring electricians? Or a basic book on working on car electrical systems?

It's my goal to someday be able to wire a solar panel on my girl to assist in running a refrigerator and keep the main battery charged. Thanks for your opinions and help.

Some of the "Scanner Danner" YouTube videos were very helpful to me when when I was diagnosing the dreadful "click,click,click" no start issue. His explanations are very detailed.

 

[Hornd]

As a Quick Check, confirm there is not Water Damage to Components behind Drivers Kick Panel (Under cover) as a Leaking Windshield drains in this Area.
I had mine Looked at Because 2nd and 3rd Row Dome lights and Rear Defroster were not Operational.
This is where the problem likely lies per the Tech.