stereo help!

i installed a JVC stereo into my 2009 taco. that part works great. The problem is, i have 2 extra plugs that dont plug into the head unit anywhere and there were no connections on the wiring harness for them. Now my dash doesnt light up when i turn the lights on. All of the lights (turn signal, seatbelt, etc) Light up. The numbers on the tachometer dont light up and im assuming it has to do with the 2 plugs that werent connected to anything.

Anyone help?

 

I had two of the plugs left over also - and no issues left with dash lights. Dumb question - but did you check the fuses? Maybe you blew one....

 

Sounds like the 10 amp fuse that controls the daylight lights..... Don't start by taking the dash apart check fuses
Hope this helps

 

Pictures please! You should have two male plugs (wiring harnesses) and 2 female coming from your stereo. You need to connect them both.

 

ill check fuses, but can anyone tell me what the original 2 wires are that plug into the original head unit?

 

Your problem is you connected the orange wire on the harness incorrectly. The orange wire is the "dimmer" for the radio and connects directly to the dash light circuit. JVCs typically have + and - dimmer wires and if connected incorrectly, you will damage the dash light circuit. It is possible you blew a fuse, so first off check that. If a fuse is blown, try replacing it. If it blows again, then stop and remove your radio. Disconnected any orange wires (orange/white or orange/black or solid orange) then replace the fuse and try again. If there was never a fuse blown to begin with, then still disconnect the orange wires. If it still does not work, there is a very very strong chance you fried the dimmer (dial on left side of dash which dims the dash lights). If I recall correctly, this part is somewhere around $80 +/- from the dealer. In order to test it, the best thing you can do it find another Tacoma owner and swap out dimmers (make sure to unplug that orange wire before plugging in a new dimmer!!). Chances are your lights will work again which indicates the dimmer is fried. It happens all the time but is a fairly expensive and common mistake.

 

i checked the fuses, i noticed the dimmer switch will dim the HVAC panel lights along w a a few other places, its kinda looking like the lights are just blown out on the dash panel.

 

anyone have a reference as to how to take the dash apart?

 

and how about part number on bulbs? i have 1 out on the HVAC panel as well. Im searching internet and not having any luck.

 

Your dash lights aren't bulbs. They are tiny smd LEDs. There are over 30 on your gauges alone. No way they all went out unless you fried the dash. Those leds last longer than you can imagine. Did you check the orange wire I told you about?

 

ya i unhooked it like you said.. all the orange wires

 

still no dash

 

i have no idea..The rheostat dimmer switch works..and the dash is the only thing that doesnt light up. im really hoping i didnt screw that up

 

can u help me out i wont to put in a new radio something nice !! what should i get where do i get it can i get a built in gps where can i look at this stuff and i wont it to fit right

 

Just because the dimmer works for the remaining lights doesn't mean its not broken. I would do one last double check of every fuse inside and out. Then swap dimmers with someone to see what happens. If it still doesn't work, I'd say time to find an electrician and prepare to pay $$. I know its not what you wanna hear but there is a chance its fried.

Is it possible you pinched any wires behind the radio that are not related to he radio? There are a lot of dash wires behind there. The orange wires, did you make sure they are sealed off at the end and not exposed?

Just for kicks, try unplugging the new radio and plug in the stock one with all the plugs. See what happens. If they work again then this a good sign. If they still don't work then thats not good. Then you'll really need to test the dimmer switch with a new one. I know you say it still works but trust me I've seen this exact same thing more than once where partial lights went out and it was the dimmer. Seen dozens of cars fry dash light circuits from new radios.

 

alright thanks.. ill have to play more.. kinda sucks with the 90+ degree heat this week