Quote:
Originally Posted by ryguy
The dimmer has to be grounded for the panel to light up. That's the only way it would light on my hatch. I know it works.
|
This is not correct. Russ's post above is correct. Let me clarify for you.
The S13 radio harness has 2 pairs of red/blue and red/yellow wires. One pair goes to the CD player and the other pair goes to the tape deck.
If you only have a single unit, like tape deck only, cd only, or aftermarket headunit, you can seal off one pair. You only need one pair left.
The parking light switch delivers power to the red/blue wire. Ground is supplied via the red/yellow wire. The red/yellow wire goes to the time control unit (TCU), which is controlled by the dimmer switch to deliver variable ground to the red/yellow wire.
Based on the TCU's direction, the red/yellow wire will pull a certain amount of current, thereby giving you dim or bright light as selected.
Your light can work, albeit only at full bright, by grounding the red/yellow wire, but keep in mind you're bypassing the dimmer switch and the TCU completely.
It's okay, but it's not the correct way according to the factory.
Also, keep in mind that some aftermarket headunits, especially older/cheaper ones, do not have dimming capability, i.e. the display is always on full bright whenever the headunit is on. For these units, you seal off both pairs of wires and don't worry about them.