AboutTed Ritter Expertise I have more than 26 years experience as toyota technician, I will be able to answer most questions related to the toyota product line up to the present year models, I specialize in difficult to diagnose problems but when posting a question please keep in mind that some situations require the used of special test equipment and diagnostic procedures especially as the newer models become more technologically advanced, so without actually having the car on hand I may only be able to try to steer you in the right direction and in some cases may have to refer you to the toyota dealer but at least you will know what you may be dealing with. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I will have an answer for you in most cases. When posting a question keep in mind that I reside in the US, although I get questions from all over the world I may not have an answer for models that are not sold in the US, I will do a reasonable search to try to match your model to the US model,please refrain from asking about diesel powered vehicles, I have no information for them. In most cases I will not answer questions about major modifications of OEM components, engine swapping or aftermarket products,please post a question not a statement, please provide enough basic information such as year, model, what engine and if anything has already been done to fix the problem, the more information I get the more I can help without having to ask you more questions.
Experience Toyota technician since 1979,expert in electrical systems,OBD systems,engine repair, driveability problems,EFI systems,ASE certified,Toyota master technician. Certified Hybrid Vehicle technician.
Education/Credentials Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified.
Question QUESTION: We have a 98 4runner. Over the weekend noticed the brake lights wouldn't go out. When we disconnected the brake light switch they still stayed on. After opening and closing the back hatch they worked properly. Now they won't work and we can't get it to move out of park. Tried reclosing the hatch and pumping the brakes. Is this an electrical problem and if so, what it might be? Thanks so much.
ANSWER: Have you checked the fuses, especially the "stop" and the "gauge" fuses, if the fuses blow out again let me know and also let me know if it has a trailer towing hitch and if so, is it a factory or aftermarket hitch.
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QUESTION: Thanks for your reply. The fuse did blow and blew again. It has a hitch, not sure which type as it was on when we bought the car used. We did some electrical work when we were trying to get some trailer lights to work about a year ago.
ANSWER: The problem is most likely caused by the trailer hitch wiring, either do it yourself or have the trailer wiring completely disconnected from the wiring harness and the problem should be solved.
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QUESTION: My husband replaced the 3 to 2 taillight converter. It worked at first, then the same brake light problem. We've noticed also that the rear window sometimes does not work. Thanks for any advice.
Answer There is a wiring problem still,check to make sure the problem is not the tail light assemblies, remove and check the bulb sockets, if the fuse stops blowing with the light assemblies disconnected reconnect them one at a time to see which one may have the problem, if the fuse still blows with the tail lights removed then the problem is further up. By the way, did the fuse stop blowing when the trailer electrical harness was disconnected?
