GPS Head Unit Install Question

I drove my new Ridgeline home during the day (last week) and immediately installed a DNX-7100 (which I hate and it is coming out Wednesday in favor of a AVIC-D3).

Anyway, I had never driven it at night prior to pulling the factory head unit.. So here is my issue:

I am trying to determine if I screwed something up or if I found something about the RL I don't like - It appears that the only illumination of the climate control system at night is the actual digital display. Neither my knobs nor buttons are illuminated so until I have the locations memorized, adjusting at night is a complete pain and borderline unsafe. I cannot imagine that it is supposed to be that way.

Did I screw something up or forget to attached a harness somewhere when I put the dash panel back on? I'd appreciate it if someone would check to see exactly what is supposed to light up on the dash.

Thanks a bunch in advance. If you want to know my issues with the DNX-7100, just ask.

I drove my new Ridgeline home during the day (last week) and immediately installed a DNX-7100 (which I hate and it is coming out Wednesday in favor of a AVIC-D3).

Anyway, I had never driven it at night prior to pulling the factory head unit.. So here is my issue:

I am trying to determine if I screwed something up or if I found something about the RL I don't like - It appears that the only illumination of the climate control system at night is the actual digital display. Neither my knobs nor buttons are illuminated so until I have the locations memorized, adjusting at night is a complete pain and borderline unsafe. I cannot imagine that it is supposed to be that way.

Did I screw something up or forget to attached a harness somewhere when I put the dash panel back on? I'd appreciate it if someone would check to see exactly what is supposed to light up on the dash.

Thanks a bunch in advance. If you want to know my issues with the DNX-7100, just ask.

I beleive the OEM head unit is the link for the illumination for these controls.

If the OEM head unit is the link for that lighting, how do I get it back with an aftermarket unit?

If the OEM head unit is the link for that lighting, how do I get it back with an aftermarket unit?

You will need to determine which wires are for that and try to locate and adpter harness or splice them.

Another suggestion; other members have installed the Avic head unit. Search for the head unit you're going to install. I am hopeful that you will find the information your looking for.

I have the Kenwood DDX8019, which is the big brother to your (now hated) DNX7100.

When I turn on the ignition, the Kenwood turns on, and the LCD HVAC display is lighted.

When I turn the headlights on, all of the other HVAC buttons and dials are lighted as with the OEM HU.

Either one of the HVAC harnesses is unplugged or loose (there are two of them) or you screwed up the wiring. The most likely cause would be the orange dimmer wire.

I have the Kenwood DDX8019, which is the big brother to your (now hated) DNX7100.

When I turn on the ignition, the Kenwood turns on, and the LCD HVAC display is lighted.

When I turn the headlights on, all of the other HVAC buttons and dials are lighted as with the OEM HU.

Either one of the HVAC harnesses is unplugged or loose (there are two of them) or you screwed up the wiring. The most likely cause would be the orange dimmer wire.


Thanks fellow UMass alum!

Is there anything regarding the orange wire already written. I am not sure what I did (or didn't do)...

Thanks!

I installed the DNX-7100 a couple of weekends ago. All of the knobs and buttons are illuminated on the HVAC (and the rest of the dash). It wouldn't be hard to have missed a connector while reattatching your dash...

I managed to blow a fuse during the install by grounding the reverse wire (for the backup camera) which knocked out most of the dash lighting, but I don't think that's your problem as it also knocked out the power to the solenoid that allows the shifter to move out of park. You'd have noticed that by now :rolleyes:

The DNX-7100 has a stiff learning curve, but I REALLY like it now that I've learned my way around. I listen to the ipod mostly...

Thanks fellow UMass alum!

Is there anything regarding the orange wire already written. I am not sure what I did (or didn't do)...

Thanks!

I'm not an alum, I live near Amherst and I'm a season ticket holder for basketball. I go to the women's BB games with my daughter and the football games with both kids. You probably know the FB is the 5th seed in the playoffs this year.

It's most likely a loose connector, but what did you hook up the orange wire to on the other end?

I do not have the orange wire hooked up to anything...

I graduated UMass in 95 (3 years late, had a lot of fun). Lived in Southwest on campus and Brandywine and Hobart Lane off-campus.

I live in Raynham now.

Then it has to be a loose connector. Pull the dash cover again and reseat all of the connectors.

elmedico,

What did you hate about the Kenwood DNX7100??

Thanks!