Electrical help - dimmer line behind radio

[xLibelle]

in 99 or 00, i had upgraded to CD unit (alpine) and attempted to wire it in.
Everything except the OBC lighting is perfect.
Wires in question is a plug with battery supply (12v) across it, i forget the colors, red/grey and red/somthing.
I have a feeling that had something to do with dimmer through the OEM radio.
How have you guys dealt with this issue in the past?

[xLibelle]

bump

[AdamF 88iS]

The red/grey wire is the power for all the dash lights, yes. What exactly is the problem with the OBC lights? You sure it's not just bulbs?

[DJB]

I agree with the previous post -- that your OBC problem is a burnt-out light bar. The slightest vibration, even pulling them out of the OBC, seems to burn them out.

The OBC backlight gets its power through the OBC cable harness from the instrument cluster. Dash light power is available from the radio connectors, so it's unlikely someone split apart the OBC cable bundle for it.

Dash lights are powered by these wires:

Gy/Rd is +12V when dash lights are turned on
Br/Wt is a connected to the dash light dimmer, a variable resistor to ground.

[xLibelle]

the lights come on, but its really dim and is no longer affected by the dimmer switch.
i specifically remember it working that morning, and after i was done with the install, it was dim with no adjustment.
durring the install, while testing the wires, i knew i was messing with something i didnt know enough about but the outcome wasnt great enough for me to pull all the shit back out and start over.. until now. i'm restoring the car so i would like the OBC dimmer function back.

can you guys provide a little more info?

does this scenerio normally happen when installing an aftermarket radio or am i out of my mind?
thanks

[DJB]

There are separate lamps and power sources for the keypad backlight and LCD.

Which is really dim? Does the display change brightness when you turn on the dash lights? Does it dim when turning the dimmer knob?

[xLibelle]

christ, i know youre trying to help but do i have to repeat what i just said in my last post?
the OBC lights come on with the dash but are dim and not affected by the dimmer.
if someone could take a snapshot of the wiring diagram and post it, that would be best. my cd wont install for some stupid reason so i cant see the electrical docs

[DJB]

There are TWO lights on the OBC.

The keypad backlight only comes on with the dash lights, and it should dim with them.

The LCD display backlight is turned on with the ignition key. It should be at full brightness with the dash lights off and dim by 35% when the dash lights are turned on.

We can't help you diagnose the problem if you are not specific about what the problem is...

[xLibelle]

thanks for the details! as soon as i finish these seat covers and get the seats back in, i'll take another gander at what its doing. (battery disconnected and shit on trunk so i cant check atm)