Insrtrument Panel Lights went out after cd installation - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

cscotty · 03-20-2006, 12:47 PM

Hey all. I have a 96 4dr camry and I am experiencing a problem.

I just installed a new cd head unit (pioneer deh-1600) and installed it with an adapter so that I wouldn't have to cut the factory wires. I connected everything but there were 2 wires left over on the aftermarker adapter. A positive (+) Orange wire with a white stripe and a negative (-) Orange wire with a white stripe. They both say dimmer. Everything went nice and smooth and the radio works great. I noticed now that the instrument panel lights do not work with the factory dimmer. Could it be the two wires mentioned before (+, - orange w/ white Stripe). If so, can someone please help me fix it so that the dash lights come back on.

Thanks everyone fo your help. Scott

88Cam · 03-20-2006, 02:00 PM

check to see if you unplugged the dimmer, if so plug it back in and you should be fine.

cscotty · 03-20-2006, 02:11 PM

can you please indicate where the dimmer plug is. I cannot locate it.

Thanks,
Scott

88Cam · 03-20-2006, 02:22 PM

i'm not sure where it is on the Gen 3's, my guess is behind the little dimmer knob. at least thats how it is on Gen 2's. someone correct me if i'm wrong.

cscotty · 03-21-2006, 07:45 AM

Well that was not the problem. The dimmer's plug was plugged in snug. I wonder what it could be? Could I possibly connect those wires (+-Orange w/ white stripe) to something else to make it work?

Thanks

88Cam · 03-21-2006, 08:25 AM

my experience with car audio installation has taught me not to mess with the dimmer wires. i hooked them up one time to see what would happen and then found out that my cd player only came on when the parking lights were on.

is your instrument panel lighting up at all? if not check ur bulbs.

cscotty · 03-21-2006, 10:17 AM

Thanks for the info. The only thing that is lighting up is the shift dials (PNRD123) on the dash. The speedometer, tach, gas gauge, and temp gauges are not lighting up. I wonder if I put it the factory stereo if they will come back on?

Thanks

***Eye8Pussies*** · 03-21-2006, 11:43 AM

check to see if your turning lights come on...

if they don't, then it's the dimmer.....I found out once when I pulled the dash and then drove to canadian tire to pick up some parts that when the dimmer is unhooked/nonfunctioning, even the blinkers don't work

if they do, then check your radio install again
and the best way to test the radio install is by just unplugging your new headunit and seeing if everything goes back to normal