Hey guys,

This is my first post, so bear with me and if I am posting in the wrong section, please let me know.

I just picked up a 2009 HHR and am loving it so far. The first thing I did was to install a new stereo and speakers. I ordered everything from Crutchfield and did the install this weekend.
Everything went well and the stereo works as it should, the speakers are great and everything is as it should be…. Except for the dimmer switch and the center console lights. The dimmer switch does not dim the lights, but the switch for the dome light still works. As well, the lights for the temperature control are no longer on.

I have installed the GMOS 3 OnStar wiring adapter, triple checked all the wiring, contacted Crutchfield and went through the dimmer wiring and tried connecting direct to the 30pin, then the 16pin and then disconnected it all together.

The wiring for the GMOS 03 (http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchf...OSLAN03NEW.PDF) is setup correctly (per the diagram) and the wiring for the Kenwood KIV BT901 (http://manual.kenwood.com/files/4db4d52a16e90.pdf) is correct.

I would love to have the console lights back along with the dimmer functionality and any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

This may sound a little off the wall, but try unplugging the aftermarket harness and plugging the factory head unit back in . See if that returns you back to where you started . (everything working )Not to be prude , but if that fails. Go pay a visit to your local aftermarket car stereo shop and have them go over the install . Fabrication has always been my strong point, these newer model cars are very temperamental. I avoid the in dash work ( head unit and alarm ) and visit my local installer.

 

Good advice from MsBecky, also go back and check for anything that might be loose, it doesn't take too much to jar something into not working.

P.S. to the forum!

 

Yep, the wiring in that area is very sensitive, happened to me also. I took it out, put it back in and everything worked. Im sure it was all done properly the first time too.

 

Thanks a lot guys. After the install was finished, the hazards were flashing and I could not control them with the switch any longer. After trying every troubleshooting step I could think of, I decided to see if it was an issue with the radio wiring or something else and I did try putting the factory radio back in. Sure enough the switch worked again and the hazards off. I then pulled it and put the new one back in and the hazards are totally fine now. I will try this once more with the old radio and see if it helps with the dash. I will then, quadruple check the wiring. Thanks again for the advice.

 

Let us know how you make out, things like this help build the database here.

 

Hey guys.. I finally had some time to try out the factory radio again and when plugging it back in, the climate control and other center panel lights are still not working. When checking the harness, all the wires are intact, connectors clipped in tight and associated fuses look good. When I use the dimmer switch, it does not dim the cluster lights, but it does work as a switch for the cabin lights.

The only thing that I can think of is that I burned out the dimmer somehow when installing the radio. Does that seem plausible and short of installing a new dimmer, does anyone have suggestions for further troubleshooting steps?

Thanks again for helping out, this forum is a great resource.

 

Do the lights and display on the radio work? When it happened to me, the radio lights were on dimly all the time, but the display was not on.
I just took it all apart again, played with the wires moving them around and tugging, then put it back together and it all worked again.

 

Yes, the radio lights are fine and when the turn the headlights on, the radio does dim as it should.

 

I went ahead and purchased a replacement dimmer ($18) and will give that a shot. I will reply to this thread with the results, in case anyone else comes across this kind of trouble in the future.