Dash Illumination Issue

2012 AC with factory HU and front door speakers only. I recently installed a RTP-445U Alpine amp. bought new from eBay. Followed instructions on how to bridge into 2-channel operation. To test I hooked it up to an MP3 player. I connected to 12V and ground plus had to connect the blue/white wire from input side of amp also to 12V to bring to life.

Cause: During install into truck I connected all the existing wires from the two factory harness plugs to the Metra breakout harness plugs following Toyota colors. I thought I better connect the blue/white input at amp to ACC so the amp would operate. Wrong!! I turned the key to ACC and heard a snap like a grounding, then amp and speakers operated fine after snap. I disconnected this blue/white wire and then turned the key to ACC again. Amp and speakers operated fine so I set the gain. Huge difference! Thought I was good.

Result: A few days later I went for a early morning drive and turned my headlamps switch to parking lamps on position, then headlamps to on position. All exterior lamps work fine but have lost my dash and radio illumination.

Possible fix: Fuse maybe? I checked the IGN, ACCY and IGN1. Anyone know which fuse may have caused this issue or where I should start to diagnose the problem?
Plus, what is the best tool for pulling these fuses? They seem to fit tight into the contacts and fuse plastic soft for pulling with needle nose pliers.

Thanks in advance. Tuna

 

Check your tail lights. I bet they're out too. Then check the 10A tail fuse in the under dash fuse box. Hopefully you didn't blow the rheostat. Several people have, when incorrectly wiring aftermarket stereos.

 

Man, I'm in sad shape! Not sure how I missed this. Guess it was to bright outside when I last checked. I went out and turned key to Acc. Dash lights do illuminate and taillights operate properly. Problem may be isolated to the radio only. Will have to pull the HU again and see if orange harness wire to Toyota illumination wire is good. Am I on the right track? Sorry about the confusion and sure appreciate your help.

 

Be careful. Because of the weird way the illumination circuit works, you can blow the rheostat if you hook it up wrong.

 

Maybe I'll just pass on radio illumination.

 

Do not connect the Orange illumination wire(s).

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-hu-now-gauge-cluster-wont-dim.298602/#post-7567551


https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/12577740/?q=Rheostat&t=post&o=date&c[node]=12

 

WOW, Jimmy! Old Guys Do Rule! Pulled out the HU and clipped the orange/white wire connecting the Metra harness male and female plugs. Wha-la! Thanks for your response, it fixed my situation. "Now the best Tuna!"

 

Glad to have assisted in my small way and glad you got it working.