Electrical gremlins in the dash…

[FJ Noob]

On the 80-series, I’m suddenly having all the instrument panel backlighting turn on when I press the brake pedal. I was able to do some cursory research today and came across the theme of a short or loose ground somewhere, but didn’t really see anyone follow up to say if/how they fixed the issue.

Can anyone that may have experienced this as well pipe up and let me know what you tracked down? I need to get this one figured out soon. The clock is ticking down quickly to the day the movers show up and I won’t have access to most of my stuff for a while.

Edit: tomorrow in the daylight, the first thing I’m going after is taking a look at the trailer wiring. If that doesn’t produce any results, where would my next most likely spot to check be located?

 

[roadstr6]

Did you replace any of your bulbs with LED? If so, those can cause electrical issues. A buddy of mine replaced his brake lights with LED’s and a gremlin popped up… driving down the highway with the cruise control on, his turn signal would come on when he steered right…even without touching the stalk. LEDs can cause some crazy stuff.

 

[FJ Noob]

I did replace the bulbs in the dash with LED, but I didn't run across any posts where people reported that causing an issue.

I was thinking about changing the brake/turn/etc lights out for LED, but having to throwing in new relays or load resistors(?) to solve other issues seems like it may not be worth it.

 

[roadstr6]

IH8LEDS. I’d wager that if you remove those LED bulbs, your problems will magically disappear.

 

[FJ Noob]

Ugghhh…that’s a tough one…the “D” light currently works..

 

[JohnVee]

Ugghhh…that’s a tough one…the “D” light currently works..

If only there was some other way to tell if a vehicle is in a gear to provide forward motion…

 

[LoganFZJ80]

I have a weird electrical issue, a few weeks ago I was driving and my 96 80 died and then restarted. Later that day it died and didn't restart. I had it towed home and tested it and looked like it wasn't getting fuel. I have put a new fuel pump in it a new EFI relay and a new fusible link along with some other relays, still no start. have noticed that there seems to be no power to the OBD, blower fan and headlights and maybe ECU. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[FJ Noob]

IH8LEDS. I’d wager that if you remove those LED bulbs, your problems will magically disappear.

Turns out the LED reverse lights were the issue. Forgot I popped those in one night when everything was apart for paint. Replaced the bulbs and the dash is happy again.

I really enjoy driving the 80, but the electrical complexity versus the 60-series is killing me. Now to figure out why I'm not getting more than .4 volts to the a/c compressor.