Stereo Dimmer Problem

[Harrison]

So here's a weird one for you guys, and I have been stumped on it.

I took my 02 SR5 for a bunch of PM and when I got it back I noticed something unusual.

My stereo (which is an aftermarket Alpine CDA-9885) now dims regardless of whether or not the lights are turned on, but this behavior only happens in drive.

For example, headlights off, car in park - stereo is in un-dimmed "day" mode. Headlights off, car in drive - stereo is in dimmed "night" mode. Headlights on, any gear selected, radio is dim. I want to chock this up to a stereo problem since the stealth mode (you push a button and all lights shut off) no longer works on it, but how would I explain why it's receiving a dimmer signal when the vehicle is in drive, regardless of if the headlights are on or off? Is the voltage stepped at all? Or is this controlled by a relay that had failed?

I am concerned this may be a hint of future electrical problems, but that is mostly because I used to have a Land Rover Disco I that had so many electrical problems that it got to the point where the service center said that if I had pressed the cruise control a couple more times, my passenger air bag might deploy.

 

[Singtoe]

Does the dash board lights dim when the radio dims? If not then them problem must be with the installation of the radio.

 

[TheDurk]

Alpines have a dimmer signal wire (orange on all the Alpines I have done) which is connected to some point on the lighting circuit, usually the parking lights. When that wire gets 12v+, the display dims.

How that translates to your issue I have no clue. Exactly what PM did they do? Can you follow the orange wire out of the HU? Some Alpines have a setting in the setup menu to disable dimming, if that helps.

Fear not, British auto electrical wiring is as bad as their dentistry or their cooking. I find Toyota electrics to be VERY reliable.

 

[BrianSD_42]

My stereo (which is an aftermarket Alpine CDA-9885)

CUT THE ORANGE CABLE Bro....

I have had 3 Alpine head units. They all work fine with the illumination cable disconnected. The Alpine will default to 100% brightness which works fine for me.

I am concerned this may be a hint of future electrical problems, but that is mostly because I used to have a Land Rover

I doubt it is an indicator of electrical problems but if you had ran a new (+) and (-) power cable as instructed by the Alpine manual then you wouldn't have to worry about the electric power in your dash because the Alpine would be properly powered via a 10 or 12 G wire directly connected to the battery. With a fuse of course ..

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm going to assume my advice was good since he never came back.