Radio faceplate dims when headlights turn on? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

guy85 · 06-27-2011, 08:58 PM

Hello all. I have a 2005 Matrix XR. I just recently replaced the CD player. It had the stock CD player (Toyota A51816) when I bought it. I upgraded to a Toyota 11807 CD player. I was told the two units were interchangeable, and I was able to swap them out without too much trouble.

Now, however, when I turn the headlights on the radio faceplate goes black. I have the lights for my instrument panel up as bright as they go. If I turn the instrument panel lights down to the dimmest setting, then the radio faceplate lights up enough that I can read it again. I'd like to have both the instrument panel and the radio on a brighter setting so I can read them comfortably at night. The lighting was fine when I had the old CD player installed. Is there anything I can do? Or am I better off just putting the stock CD player back in?

fishexpo101 · 06-29-2011, 09:21 AM

I'd double check that the wiring didn't get pinched or damaged during the installation. Sounds like it is not getting enough power to the headunit. If the radio display brightens as cut off the dash lighting.

Likely that the new headunit is drawing more power than what the system can provide when the main lamps come on - happens often when there are two similar headunits, but intended for different models or generations. Might be able to wiring in power from another source - but will need to figure out the pinouts on the back of the headunit.

guy85 · 07-01-2011, 02:01 PM

I heard back from the place I purchased the new cd player from. It turns out it isn't quite compatible after all, despite what the product description on their site said. So it looks like I'll be returning it. Does anyone have recommendations for a CD player that will actually work in a 2005 Matrix XR?

fishexpo101 · 07-06-2011, 04:14 PM

Depends on what you are looking for feature wise?

If you want a good source for comparing multiple models of CD headunits - try www.crutchfield.com and their look up their articles, reviews, etc. Good resource if you are starting to look. Find what features interest you most and then you can narrow your search.

fishexpo101 · 07-06-2011, 04:15 PM

Depends on what you are looking for feature wise?

If you want a good source for comparing multiple models of CD headunits - try www.crutchfield.com and their look up their articles, reviews, etc. Good resource if you are starting to look. Find what features interest you most and then you can narrow your search.