radio dimmer

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
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mcgusto82
Posts: 1387
Joined: Thu May 19, 2005 6:31 pm

radio dimmer

Post by mcgusto82 »

i recently had to remove my sony cd deck for quality issues. i installed my OEM single disc deck back in.it's been sitting in my livingroom closet for over 1 year. it seemed to start up just fine. sounds great too, but once the headlights come on, the dimmer kicks in and the display and all radio lights go completely out. and back on when the lights come back off. now, it doesn't effect the radio functions at all. anybody got any ideas of what this could be???p.s. i've been busy with other endevors, so i want to say HI to all.
GMJAP
Posts: 1820
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:24 am

Re: radio dimmer (mcgusto82)

Post by GMJAP »

Were any changes made to the radio wiring when you installed the Sony?I expect this is a wiring issue, and not a head unit problem.
2005 Platinum Base ManualSide & Curtain AirbagsABSPower PackageTinted Windows"Mods": 'old-style' center armrest, center +12v, wheelskins leather steering wheel, AC/Recirc blue backlight, beeps on keyless entry, dome light switch, AC insulation, PCD10 10-disc CD/MP3 changer, AAI-GM12 AUX audio input, K&N filter, "shark fin" antenna.
mcgusto82
Posts: 1387
Joined: Thu May 19, 2005 6:31 pm

Re: radio dimmer (GMJAP)

Post by mcgusto82 »

well, some time ago. i taped into the lead for the dimmer wire. i disconnected it when i put the oem radio back on. maybe it's making ground or something. i'm about to check.
mcgusto82
Posts: 1387
Joined: Thu May 19, 2005 6:31 pm

Re: radio dimmer (mcgusto82)

Post by mcgusto82 »

thanks for the help. i found it to be a loose pin on the connector behind the radio.
Cwew
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:36 am

Re: radio dimmer (mcgusto82)

Post by Cwew »

I'm having a somewhat similiar problem. I connected the radio dimmer and it dimmed my stereo past what I liked so I disconnected the radio dimmer completely, and now my tail lights don't work, and my cabin dimmer doesn't work anymore. Does the vibe run the dimmer through the radio? I'm going to try to reconnect it tonight and see what happens.Anyone know a way to skip the radio but keep the function of the other lights, if this is indeed the problem?03, Vibe GT no moon & tunesThanks,--Cwew
mcgusto82
Posts: 1387
Joined: Thu May 19, 2005 6:31 pm

Re: radio dimmer (Cwew)

Post by mcgusto82 »

far as i know. the dimmer shouldn't have any control of the rest of the lights. when i was trouble shooting, i had the entire harness off and had control of my dimmer lighjts and ther were no issues. sounds like a short somewhere in your rqadio harness. go over the wieres. i'm assuming you recently installed a new radio.you can also try putting back the oem radio and see what that does.
Cwew
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:36 am

Re: radio dimmer (mcgusto82)

Post by Cwew »

I think I blew a fuse, I pulled out the new radio, put in the old one, still had the same problem, and doing some looking online they had someone that ran into a similiar problem. I'll be checking on the fuses tonight, and if there's one blown replacing it, otherwise back to the drawing board again I guess.
Cwew
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:36 am

Re: radio dimmer (Cwew)

Post by Cwew »

Turns out it was the "Tail" fuse. Replaced it, everything back to normal.
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