Hey guys, I have an '89 240SX that is buggin me… I reviewed all the pages of posts in here, and while some topics have been close to my dilemna, none have been identical. I just took out what I assume to be the stock stereo (Clarion radio) and installed a Kenwood cd changer. The cd player works exactly as it should, all 4 speakers work and it sounds fine. However, the lights in the instrument panel, heater panel area, and from what the police just told me, the tailights are all not working. I have found a rough wiring diagram that shows 2 illumination wires, a negative, and a positive that I do not know where to put. Has anyone ever been through this, or have a wiring diagram that I could look at? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks 8)
I had the same problem happen to me, but it wasn’t related to any stereo install. All the lights on my cluster, dash and rear defogger would not work. Found out it was some control box on the drivers kick panel. It’s a small white box, I cleaned and connections opened the box and blew some air into it and my problem was solved.
Yup.
I was a profoessional stereo/alarm/amp/ whatever installer for futureshop. I have my MECP and ontario icence for remote starters etc. whatever
The lights in your dash and taillaights are not connected to your radio setup. the illumination wires there are for the brightness of the lights on your radio, based on your interior lights. They are connected in that way, but not so that in being not connected or malfunctioning would result in the failure of other components.
I’d suspect a fuse or series of fuses, as well as a general short, most likely somewhere within the taillight section. that’s causing your issues. check under the hood as well as under the dash. I’ve fixed problems like this before in other vehicles, and not being entirely familliar with the wireing of the 89 hatchback I can’t tell you excatly where to look or your exact problem.
My personal advise, stay away from the repair shop and dealership unless you like giving away money. just trace the wiers and check continuity and voltage with a meter and you;ll eventually find the problem(s)
Good luck, if you need more help just PM me and I’ll try my best.
Cut the illumination wires off the back of the deck… you don’t need them. Then replace the fuses you blew…
Should fix everything.
And since it wasn’t mentioned DOUBLE CHECK YOUR GROUNDING!!
When I installed my deck in the Silvia the dash would glow even when the car was turned off and other weird things… these modern cars turn into nightmares if the smallest thing isn’t grounded properly.
(and since you’ll be ripping out your deck anyway it’s a quick thing to check)
I also say ground. Many moons ago, on my first stereo install I patched my ground into my illumination wire, thus shorting my dash lights out. The reason this happened was because when I was testing wires for 12v I patched the battery in and started looking for a ground wire on the stock stereo harness. I only found 1 and didn’t test to see if it was still ground when the lights were on.
Make sure you have a real ground! If all else fails make a new one, I usually use a shifter bolt.
i have the same problem in my 89 hatch
i am also a wiring idiot an know next to nothing when it comes to electrics
Whats this grounding kit?
will that be able to solve my problem?
any help
none of my illumiation on the panels work, i checked the fuses and all and it still doesnt work, so i got pissed off and wired my cluster bulbs manually and the rest stays in the dark lol