Elementary install ?s... help!

Really basic head unit installation:  What do I connect to the car's "illumination" and "dimmer" wires?  The only availible wires I have from the head unit are ground, constant and switch power, and power antena.  The car does  NOT have a power antena.  Are the ill. and dim. wires even needed?  What are their purposes?

Also, where should I ground the head unit if the car does not have a ground wire?  I'm obviously new to this, so I appreciate any help any of you could give me.

Hey jcpegg,

If your head unit doesn't have dimmer or illumination inputs then simply tape these wires and don't connect to anything.  A good ground is a bolt under dash but make sure that it is a true ground.  Follow it and make sure that it goes to the body.  On Chrysler products they have a braided strap for ground, G.M.'s have a black wire in the harness, . . .etc.

well, in regards to your ill. and dimmer wires, it sounds like the head unit that you are installing does not support that feature/use it.  That means, you disregard those wires...cap em off and stick em' away.
(the ill and dimmer wires usually only are good on stock units not aftermarket...MOST anyways)

And if your car has no power antenna, disregard that wire...cap it off and move it out of the way.

Also, your ground can be any good metal contact that you have with the car.  Most of the time, you can find a nut or bolt underneath the dash (near where the head unit is located) to ground to.  This should be satisfactory for your head unit.

Hope this helps!

Thank you both.  I re-grounded the stereo and it's working fine now.  Thanks for the help!

Jesse