Toyota Avalon - Dash Light Dim Interface with Pioneer Deck

[zippinbye 10+ year member]

Hey Guys,

I'm putting a Pioneer AVH-X2500BT double DIN DVD Receiver in my daughter's 2001 Toyota Avalon. I'm using a Metra dash kit w/ Crutchfield integration adapter that will retain the factory JBL sound system amplifier. Clearly, the factory unit dimmed in unison with all dash lighting. The Pioneer has an orange/white wire ("connect to lighting switch terminal"). But the Crutchfield has no corresponding wire or any other provision concerning lighting, as far as I can tell. I know the Pioneer can be dimmed independently, but I'd like to have a try at running with the dash lights if possible. Logic would suggest that one wire at the Toyota harness plug contains lighting control. Of course I can probe around with a multimeter to figure it out. But if anyone can offer a quick tip on how to tap the dash lighting with the Pioneer orange/white wire, my chore would be easier.

as a side note, I chose the factory amp retention option because I have no idea of the power rating/resistance on the JBL speakers. I didn't want to tear into it until I'm ready to actually replace them with something more exotic. So for now, do you think it will sound decent, or would I be happier with line-level straight from the Pioneer to factory speakers?

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[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

most aftermarket head units have an orange and and orange/white for dimming or illumintion. you need to figure out what your car does first. with a DMM, measure VDC on the factory wire as you vary brightness. use the illumination wire if the wire goes to +12VDC when the gauge lights are on, and that voltage doesn't change. use the dimmer wire if the voltage varies.