Dimming Source

[Cous3]

Excellent pics Steve......perfect, clear, easy to follow instructions, big thanks mate.

Keith

[Martin_80]

I'm about to install my new kenwood and this guide is excellent, thank you! How ever is it possible to meassure or test this green lead for the dimming feature? It would be nice to test it before cutting.

Also when exactly does the illumination dim? My car (sport model) use to dim but know when I test it I cant see it dimming at all when switching from auto low beam to parking light and to low beam on. My car is standard except from a groom audio adapter.

[Steviewevie]

I'm not sure exactly what current etc comes down the OEM green wire. But on my Pioneer head unit, with it connected in there and the dimming feature turned on for the head unit, what happens is that when I turn my lights on (e.g. sidelights), the head unit illumination goes down slightly. It doesn't operate off the dashboard dimmer rotary knob, there's just one step of dimmed or not dimmed. Hope that helps.

[Martin_80]

Do you know what type of signal, current or voltage? If I attach a voltmeter would it be possible to verify that I have found the correct green wire? What type of change, current or voltage level should I look for?

I'm gonna check if my illumination dim when I turn on the sidelights, it should maybe I'm just blind.

[Steviewevie]

Sorry I have no idea about the current/voltage etc. What exact model is your car, i.e. which model year and 6 speaker/8 speaker etc ? There are different wiring diagrams for the different models. Checking the right diagram means you can be sure which wire is doing which.

My dimming had to be switched on with my Pioneer head unit, and it doesn't dim massively, but it is noticeable.

[Martin_80]

I have a sport model from 2000 with 8 speakers and OEM amp beside the glovebox.

I haven't installed my new HU yet. I want to do some research first, don't want to cut the wrong wire.

[Steviewevie]

ok, so your car sounds like it should have exactly the same wiring is mine, which is a 1999 Sport model (8 speakers and separate amp). The wiring diagram is here for the head unit/amp and the green illumination wire is shown on this diagram (towards the right).

[Martin_80]

When I do the swap this weekend I will measure the green wire and post the results.

Thanks for your help!

[Martin_80]

I meassured the green wire and found the following. I got 0V not dimmed and 12V when I turned on the lights(turned the knob).

It works great!

[Steviewevie]

Glad you got it sorted, well done ! :D