AfterMarket Radio problems

[tazz007]

Hey Everyone!

Been watching this forum for a few months now and decided to join. I'm having a bit of a problem and hopefully someone can help. Installed a Boss media player in my truck and I have 2 leftover wires from the harness that say dimmer, but seem to go to nothing. I assume the components for that were in the factory unit. Now my dashboard lights don't come on at all. :ybrick:

I figured I would just get a set of aftermarket lights as I like the radio & it's cheap. Now my radio will not come on! It was on when I got out of the truck, but when I got back in, no power. :wow: I can only assume I blew a fuse, but low and behold, I don't know where the radio fuses are. How frustrating. :gun5:

Can anyone help with either OR both of my issues??? It will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Elton H]

did you use a wiring harness or just snip and splice

 

[Sherwood4Runner]

No sure about the dashboard lights, but the dimmer light is a wire you splice into the wiring harness, so that when you turn your head lights on at night it will dim the lights on the radio so its not so blinding. Similar to when you turn your head lights and your clock becomes dimmer.

There are lots of possibilities why the radio wont turn on. The ground, constant 12v, or accessory wire could be loose or disconnected. The radio fuse could have blown like you already said. The fuse is located in the drivers side at the very bottom left part of the dash. There should be an image on the door you pull off that has the fuse diagram. Fuse number 20 is the one you want to inspect. Keep in mind this fuse controls the clock too so if your clock is still working it is probably not the fuse. Hope this helps.

 

[Clownmeat]

I popped my radio fuse awhile ago. It wasn't the "radio" fuse in the under dash fuse block. Under the hood behind the battery there is a black plastic fuse/relay block, it pops the bottom left mini fuse labeled "dome".

 

[TheDurk]

Keep in mind there are TWO power circuits to almost any auto head unit. The constant power circuit is from the DOME fuse under the hood and the switched power is from the ACC fuse by the driver's knee. Both need to be working.

And the dash lights run off the TAIL fuse.