Rep Power: 0

Ok first off I am driving a 2005 Civic EX Special Edition sedan.

Now, I installed an alpine HU the other day and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Until I went to turn on my head lights. Headlights, tail lights, and running light all work great. But every time I switch on the headlights my gauges, AC controls, and gear shifter lights are dark. The gauges light up great with headlights off, but nothing after you switch them on.

This has me really frustrated, they work but not when I need them too!

Anyway I hope someone can help me fix this...a flashlight shining on your gauge cluster doesnt look very cool :P

-M

 
Rep Power: 308

^^^ When on, you could try adjusting the dimmer **** to the right (trip meter button in the cluster) There is a setting for when lights are off and another setting when they are on.

 
Rep Power: 0

I tried that and it adjusted the gas gauge but the others are still dark when the headlights are on. It adjusts everything tho when the lights are off...

 
Rep Power: 308

Try taking any illumination connections made loose and look for change. Make sure to isolate ends of any loose/unused wires

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok I should have some time to mess with it later tonight...it has my friends and I going crazy haha

thanks for the suggestion!

i know i disconnected dimmer and illumination but there may be another...and i dont think i capped them off.

 
Rep Power: 0

turns out that a connection on the back of the gauge cluster had blown completely. nice burnt smell when i pulled the gauges out. Was able to solder a wire to bypass the burnt connection and everything works!

 
Rep Power: 291

if you connected the dimmer/illumination wire, i almost guaranty that's what caused things to blow.

 
Rep Power: 199

Best bet. I don't know how to change HU's yet, but i've heard you say this enough times to know not to connect the orange/white wire lol