The right hand directional signal stopped working on my 2003 Hilux 4x4, so I
started looking for the problem. Checked out everything and found
that the hazard switch was the culprit. With the switch removed and
jumper wires installed to simulate being in the Flasher “OFF” mode,
the RH turn signal began to work.
My truck is fitted with a dual-fuel conversion (gasoline or compressed natural gas). The location of the gas/CNG selector switch and fuel level indicator (lower left hand side of the dash) was hard to see. The hazard switch cutout was a much better location. The switch cutout for the rear window defogger (which my truck didn't have) was a perfect location for the hazard switch
No aftermarket hazard switch was available, so an OEM replacement was my only option. A factory OEM hazard switch costs 365,000 Colombian pesos (about $95 USD) at my local Toyota dealer's rip-off parts department. Being a cheap-ass, I decided to replace the stock switch with an on/off switch and a relay.
After checking out the Hilux hazard switch circuit, it looked like a 4PDT relay would work.
The parts:
1.) SPST red hazard switch w/led (19,000 pesos/ $5.00 USD)
2.) 1N4001 diode
3.) 4 pole double-throw relay with 12v coil (9,500 pesos/ $2.50 USD)
4.) Hookup wire and double-sided sticky tape.
5.) 1/8” male solderless connectors
Drew up a connecting diagram.
I wanted to retain the original hazard switch plug and not have to cut
up the factory wiring harness. Cannibalized the defective switch, soldered wires to the contacts, and used it as a jack to connect to the wiring harness plug.
The completed relay and plug assembly.
Installed on the rear of the dash panel
The final installation.
The CNG/Gasoline selector installed in the original hazard switch location below the clock, and the new hazard switch in the rear defogger location
This was an easy mod, and it worked perfectly. I put the switch and
relay assembly together on my bench, and installing it was simply a
matter of enlarging the switch cutout slightly and then plugging in
everything. Total cost of parts was 24 000 COP ($8 USD). Project took a couple of days from start to finish. Well worth the time.
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