What is "lights on signal" wire to the radio?

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Frank - 19 Apr 2008 18:09 GMT

I'm replacing the headunit and this wire called "lights on signal" from the
dash radio wire harness to be connected to one of the terminals on the new
radio wire harness. There is no corresponding "lights on signal" terminal on
the new radio wire harness. What does the "lights on signal" do and where
should it be connected? Could it be connected to the "+12V ignition" wire to
the radio?

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Walt Kienzle - 19 Apr 2008 18:25 GMT

Many aftermarket headunits don't require the signal to adjust the panel
light brightness. Factory radios use this when the headlights are switched
on, therefore it is a "[head]lights on signal". Just cover it with
insulating tape; don't connect it to anything. If you do, you will likely
blow fuses or cause other problems.

> I'm replacing the headunit and this wire called "lights on signal" from
> the dash radio wire harness to be connected to one of the terminals on the
> new radio wire harness. There is no corresponding "lights on signal"
> terminal on the new radio wire harness. What does the "lights on signal"
> do and where should it be connected? Could it be connected to the "+12V
> ignition" wire to the radio?

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Frank - 19 Apr 2008 19:45 GMT

> Many aftermarket headunits don't require the signal to adjust the panel
> light brightness. Factory radios use this when the headlights are
> switched on, therefore it is a "[head]lights on signal". Just cover it
> with insulating tape; don't connect it to anything. If you do, you will
> likely blow fuses or cause other problems.

Bingo, thanks Walt!

>> I'm replacing the headunit and this wire called "lights on signal" from
>> the dash radio wire harness to be connected to one of the terminals on
>> the new radio wire harness. There is no corresponding "lights on signal"
>> terminal on the new radio wire harness. What does the "lights on signal"
>> do and where should it be connected? Could it be connected to the "+12V
>> ignition" wire to the radio?

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Roland Messerschmidt - 19 Apr 2008 20:56 GMT

Walt Kienzle schrieb:

> Many aftermarket headunits don't require the signal

...but many other do use this signal anyway.

It's not only a (digital) on/off signal, but a signal to dim the radio
display with the dashboard lights.

Roland

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