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MG MGF Technical - Stereo head unit back-light

Having fitted a late-model t-bar (with speakers) last week (thanks Tim W), I wired them in today.
Easy enough but after re-installation of the unit in the dash-aperture, the backlight for the two knobs on the facia no longer works.
It used to illuminate permanently whether the stereo was on or not, now...nothing, not even when the main lighting is selected although in all other respects, function and appearance, the stereo's fine.
Rear speakers are a must by the way.
Bob

as is a torch so you can change music settings at night!
John Ponting

Bob

The power for the light are a separate wire in the multi plug(s) at the rear of the radio - you may have disturbed it during the fitting of the new spaekers.

Ted
Ted Newman

Couldn't give you much advise, especially if the head unit is working. Normally a HU has 3 power connectors:
- ground
- +12V constantly (keeps the memory settings)
- +12V switched with the contact (you are able to use the HU when the key is switched 1 (or is it 2) positions)
Other power leads can be for
- switching on/off antenna's, amplifiers
- one for cell phone functionality
- connecting (in someway) to the light switch... so the light of the HU dims when the (car)lights are switched on.
Erik

I think Ted knows the HU....
Erik

Yep, I assumed it had the two stage power supply for permanent memory and then actual use. Back light used to come on with the first stage ignition circuit and so I too assumed it was simply a disturbed wire.
Thing is the head unit is an absolutely b**ch to get back in to the dash so I didn't want to go removing it again without at least a headstart.
Bob

Bob

What 'mark' is your *F* and radio?

If it is the MK1 *F* with the original radio the easiest way to get it out is:-

1/- Remove the centre dash air vent.

2/- Insert thin screwdrivers or coathanger wire into release holes.

3/- Put hand through the now empty air vent slot and push radio out from behind.

The above is only required if the release pins are sticky otherwise you should just be able to pull the radio out.

Ted
Ted Newman

Ted,
Yeah I know how to get the head unit out having wired in the rear speakers, but on my car (and possibly others) it's a mare to get back in again, being as there's hardly any space behind the head unit when it's fully inserted to accommodate all the wiring and connectors.
Also, I'm a bit bemused as to why only the backlight for the on/off and bass/treble knobs doesn't light when everything else does and was wanting a bit of a steer prior to taking things apart :-/
Bob

Pull / prise out the top vent when you come to put the head unit back as this give you excellent access from above to the back of the head unit and the wiring. You can then feed the wires away from the back of the unit as your re-insert it ensuring it slides in smoothly with no risk of snagging any of the cables.

Have a look at:

>> http://www.sfforever.co.uk/viewgallerypicture.asp?id=3-29-35-36-37-38-39-40-41-42-43-44-45-46-47-48-49-50-51-52-53-54-55-56-57-58-59-60-61-62-63&queryon=13 <<

For details on how to remove the top vent.

SF
Scarlet Fever

Sorry Bob - guess I should not try and teach grandma how to suck eggs - just thought it might be helpful - I will now shut up!

Ted
Ted Newman

Bob,

Does the head unit lose it's memory when you switch it off? e.g. pre-set stations disappear.

If this is the case, then the permanent +12v supply (yellow wire) is not getting to the head unit.

It could be that the fuse for this feed has blown when the head unit as removed/inserted.

I had problems fitting my Kenwood head unit due to the amount of wires, but was able to feed most of them down behind the centre console by removing the side panels on either side of the console and gaining access to the wiring loom.

Sam
Sam Murray

This thread was discussed between 27/08/2003 and 01/09/2003

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