Dimmer connection for aftermarket HU

Teddydog · 10-12-2006, 02:13 PM

I'm THIS CLOSE to finishing up my complete install in my 96. I was looking at the wiring harness and adapter that I received with my HU (from Crutchfield). The radio reciever plug has 4 wires--switched power, constant power, antenna lead and ground. I was hoping to find a dimmer lead, too. Checking the wiring diagrams in the FSM, I found two dimmer candidates in the factory HU harness: one is labeled LCD and the other LED. Would either of these be correct to tap into for the new HU? Or should I just not bother with the dimmer? Thanks!

Rob

scott_fx · 10-12-2006, 05:28 PM

doesn't the dimmer just look for a +12v signal? if it does i think you can just tap into your headlight switch. when you turn on your lights, it'll show 12v and tell the h/u to dim....i think.

pentavolvo · 10-12-2006, 05:31 PM

i agree with scott on this, so you could just those 2 wires with a voltmeter to see which one hits +12v when parking lights are turned on

adown · 10-12-2006, 11:15 PM

Are you talking about being able to dim your h/u with your dash lights? I think that is covered in the FAQ. I believe it is a tan or cream color wire in the hvac connector.

EatRice · 10-12-2006, 11:21 PM

There are generally two different "light" wires in most cars. One is the illumination wire..it goes to 12v when the lights are turned on. The other is the dimmer wire. It goes 12v when the lights are turned on but it is controlled by a reostat. The dimmer wire is what should be used to illuminate the radio. You can catch it all over the dash area. Anywhere there is another light. I do believe it is tan or gray...as mentioned before. The best thing to do is test using a VOM. Turn your lights to full bright. Then with the VOM attached to the suspected wire dim the lights. The voltage will drop and then go to 0 volts if you turn off the lights. That is the wire you need.