SBLars

I just picked up this 1999 4Runner Limited a few days a go. While going out to dinner the night I picked it up I noticed that the stereo backlight was fluttering. When I used the dimmer knob the backlight would cease functioning in all but a few spots in the dimmer range of travel where it would intermittently work but flash.

This does not effect any other light controlled by the dimmer knob, but I can't help but think that the dimmer knob is the culprit based on the behavior. I took apart the dash and pulled the stereo (stock stereo). All of the wires are connected and wiggling them did not produce any effect.

Has anyone run into this before? Before I replace the dimmer knob it would be nice to make sure that this is the problem.

bigacuralvr

If only the stereo backlight flickers, then it is not the knob. Its probably a loose wire, or something inside the stereo. If the main dash bulbs flicker with the stereo, then it would be the knob. I'm sure the knob would cost much more than a new-used stereo from another member.

SBLars

If it was just a loose wire or bad connection then it wouldn't flicker on when I move the dimmer knob through a specific range, it would flicker when I move the wires or go over bumps.

Is there more than one output from the dimmer knob? Could it be that the output to the stereo is bad and all the others are good?

bigacuralvr

There is only one wire that comes into the switch, then another that goes to a relay/dist center that goes out into each bulb. If you bang on the unit, it may effect it. What you should probably do is test the purple wire on the back of the stereo. That is the illumination wire. I don't remember that my old radio dimmed with the dimmer knob....but it was a year ago. I still put my money on a loose connection in the radio.
Brett

SBLars

Ok, I checked the purple wire. It had a section with the insulation removed along with a section of insulation removed on the green wire next to it. Both of these wires are in a grey cable sleeve that has shielding wires in the insulation. The shielding wires were wrapped around the two wires so they were connected. I isolated and reinsulated the two wires, plugged the connector back into the back of the stereo and tried it...

no joy, no light at all now.

The EQ knob on the stereo is all screwy too, so I may as well get another stereo. Now I have to go search the rest of the forum to see if it would be cheaper/better to go aftermarket, and if so, what I need to do to install an aftermarket unit in regards to getting rid of the factory amp and what wiring is on the other side of the factory amp.

Albuquerque Jim

This is happening to my stereo as well. I am glad it's not just me.

bigacuralvr

Both answers are very easy. Stock decks w/amps go for about $50, and the install is written up in the tech section. Good luck!

SBLars

Bought a stocker off of another member here. Should be here soon.

I wasn't worried about installing the stocker. I was looking into installing an aftermarket if I decided to go that way so I would know what I would be getting in to before I decided.

If I can't install a direct replacement then I'll turn in my engineering and math degrees!