Holy old thread bump, Batman!!
I finally replaced the harness behind the ignition switch. Several Toyota guys that I trust thought that was the culprit. No joy-I still have the same problems intermittently and it's p*ssing me off to no end.
Just for fun, I'm having headlight problems now, too. That started before I replaced the harness. At first I couldn't turn the lights on. The parking lights would work but the headlights needed a few tries to go on. Then they went off while driving home at midnight. I managed to get them back on but decided I had a problem that needed to be addressed. Since it was affecting both headlights I figured it was the relay. Since they are cheap I threw one in. No joy.
I'm not about to consider replacing the switch when I have the gauge problems. On an intermittent basis I have no guages, idiot lights, windshield wipers or fan that controls AC, heat and defrost.
I'm one of the most ignorant people around when it comes to electrical stuff. Chasing this down with a multi meter will not happen in my hands. The local electrical shop that everyone says is THE place to go won't touch my truck because of it's age. They fear they might spend more time in labor than the truck is worth. I appreciate the honesty even if I don't like the answer.
Anyone? I'm really desperate. I don't want to drive with the the guage problem. I'm afraid to drive at night with the headlight problem. Seriously, anyone in Sacramento that wants to help... I'd really appreciate it. Funds are limited but I'll find a way to cover your time/effort.
Do you know the full history of the truck? Any accidents? I'm wondering if something got munched in or around the fuse box years ago and is only rearing its ugly head now.
How about aftermarket alarm system? I worked on a Ford Aerostar one time that had broken power locks, an ABS light on, and a host of other electrical problems that were all solved by removing the old alarm system.
About the only other thing I can think to do is next time it happens, go through methodically and test every single electrical thing you can.
Fan?
Dome light? (both via door and switch)
Horn?
Lights?
Tail lights?
Hazard lights?
Turn signals?
Headlights? (Hi and Lo, flash to pass)
Seatbelt buzzer?
Just test every single thing you can, then maybe some commonalities will crop up in terms of which circuits get fed by which line.
