Center Console Backlighting problem (not the common one)

[Mikey27]

I noticed when i bought my 03 T4R that the center console backlighting was out. I did a search and read many good threads about the problems. I ordered the new lights. But however i noticed tonight that the problem is not the bulbs being burned out. When i start the truck the information panel lights up bright. But as soon as i turn the headlights on the backlight goes out and when i turn them off it comes back on. Not sure what could be causing this. Any ideas?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I noticed when i bought my 03 T4R that the center console backlighting was out. I did a search and read many good threads about the problems. I ordered the new lights. But however i noticed tonight that the problem is not the bulbs being burned out. When i start the truck the information panel lights up bright. But as soon as i turn the headlights on the backlight goes out and when i turn them off it comes back on. Not sure what could be causing this. Any ideas?

There is a dial to the left of the steering column that adjusts the brightness of the dash, information center, and stock radio backlighting when the headlights are on. Check to see that is adjusted properly.

 

[Mikey27]

BlackWorks, thanks for the suggestion. I tried it but unfortunately it didnt do anything. In fact that dial appears to be not operational. It wont change the brightness of anything. It has an aftermarket JVC head unit installed. I wonder if the wiring to it has anything to do with my problems. I dont know much about this kind of stuff.

 

[galactic_04]

You are correct. The dimmer wire runs through the radio first then out to the dash. Without that wire connected you will not have dimming capability and may lose lights in the center console. Hopefully you can slide out the radio and see the wire labels on the wires behind the unit.

Try the white/green wire or blue/yellow wire behind the unit. see if it's connected to anything:

DIAGRAM1:
Memory (+12v Constant) Blue/Yellow
Ignition (+12v Switched) Gray
Ground (-) Brown
Illumination Green
Dimmer White/Green
Power Antenna Black/Red
S p e a k e r s
Right Front (+) Light Green
Right Front (-) Blue
Left Front (+) Pink
Left Front (-) Violet
Right Rear (+) Red
Right Rear (-) White
Left Rear (+) Black
Left Rear (-) Yellow

DIAGRAM 2:
it said blue/yellow, but I'm reading that's usually power feed

 

[Mikey27]

Thanks, i will check that out as soon as i can. If i find the correct loose wire is there anything that i can do to bypass the radio and get my lights back to working when my headlights are on?