simple question...HU Upgrade

[ReadyMix]

I have been looking around on the internet and have decided to replace the stock HU in my '98. I can't find any specific reference to weather or not the dimmer function will work on the Alpine HU's. I would like to be able to control the intensity of light without rewiring the brand new HU. Has anyone ever done this before. I am not too sure if the aftermarket HU's have connections and/or seperate circuts for this type of thing.

[FeeD]

it may depend on the model but my alpine h/u dims when the lights are on. it doesn't fade like stock though... it's either bright or dim.

[Nick]

Most have a dimmer as far as I know.

[ReadyMix]

FeeD,
That is what i thought i would hear. I want to be able to adjust the brightness of the HU when i turn down the dash lights. There has to be a way. I would get aggervated driving at night and seeing the super bright HU lights in the middle of an otherwise nicely lit dash and gauge assy. Can anyone shed a little light on this.

[kylant]

the new alpines have a wire in the harness for this purpose, you connect it to the dimmer switch in the truck. I just installed a 7893 in my boat and it had the illumination wire. obviously i did not use it in my boat.

good luck

[03' Silverado]

the illum. wire just makes the display either bright for daytiime then the parking lights are not on and dims at night or when the parking lights are on. there is not a way to control the brightness of your aftermarket stereo with your factory dimmer. sorry....
eric

[ReadyMix]

So on the aftermarket HU the illum wire needs to be connected to the dimmer switch, or the headlight wire?

[rollinstyle]

My Pioneer 840mp can be adjusted for brightness. It goes from 1 to 15.

[FeeD]

Originally posted by bbrennan
So on the aftermarket HU the illum wire needs to be connected to the dimmer switch, or the headlight wire?

there is a factory dimmer wire in the harness it connects to

[MacADaYear]

Originally posted by rollinstyle
My Pioneer 840mp can be adjusted for brightness. It goes from 1 to 15.

And whats dope about that pioneer is you can have the face closed for a clean look.