dim display problem/dimmer wire?

I have a 98 Civic DX hatchback (no keyless/power locks) and am trying to install a Jensen stereo.  Everything works except the display is so dim it is almost impossible to see.  After splicing all the wires, I have one left over.  The adapter that I plugged into my factory harness has an orange wire with a white stripe that says 'Positive Dimmer.'  However, there is no matching wire coming out of my Jensen adapter.  Is this why my display is essentially off?  If so, is there another wire I can hook it (the ORANGE / white dimmer wire) to so my display will work?  Thanks.

No, it sounds like the h/u is faulty. The dimmer wire from the car is activated when the lights are turned on, so if you have a dimmer wire on the deck, it dims with the lights switched on, assuming it is night.

So, I'd probably guess the contacts between the detachable face and the unit are bad. Unless that unit has the option to dim it on and off, as some units give the option.

Is it a new or used unit? 

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It is a used unit, but it didn't have a lot of miles on it.  The display does work; it is just very hard to see.

Through experience, I have seen numerous Jensen and Linear Power units (same build house) come through with the exact same problem you are describing.

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Thanks.  Would it help to try to pull off the face-plate and clean the connectors? 

anything is worth a try, it may just have a poorly lit display, usually depends on the model, or the led's inside may have burned out. does it look acceptable if you change your angle of viewing or is it dim no matter how you look at it?

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git yer swerve on!

Descriptions of new one tout a 'bright display' so I'm guess it is a problem with the unit, then.  It is dim no matter how you look at it.  You can see the display if you get right up on it.  Is there a chance that a loose wire could cause it?  I used small wire nuts to make my connections.

its possible but very very unlikely. you can try putting new led's in the face but that requires soldering/desoldering. the easiest route would be to replace that head unit with another one. if you want to be totally sure that its the head unit get a multimeter and check the connections and see how much voltage you are getting to the h/u. if you see bat voltage at the plug for the h/u then its more than likely the h/u.

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git yer swerve on!

I have a '92 Honda Civic DX.

After installing my JVC stereo, I had the same wire left over.

However, whenever I turn the headlights on, the stereo dims accordingly. So (not being an expert) I assume that this dimming function is provided by the illumination wire. At least on our cars.

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.x[ Devante ]x.