Dimming aftermarket head unit on a 2005?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Master_Frag, Jul 17, 2026 at 5:04 PM.

  1. Master_Frag

    Master_Frag New Member

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    Forgive me if this has been asked or addressed somewhere before, but does anybody here know of a documented or undocumented wire we can tap for 12v as a dimming line in an '05 Prius?

    My understanding is that the dimmer signal for the stock and JBL radios comes from the CANBUS, so isn't available to use for an aftermarket radio.

    Obviously, I cannot tap into that for this purpose, but I was wondering if there was a line, like from the dimmer wheel, I could tap as an equivalent signal.
     
    #1 Master_Frag, Jul 17, 2026 at 5:04 PM
  2. 6079smithw

    6079smithw Junior Member

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    Easiest way to do it would be a piggyback connector from the taillight fuse under the dash to your dimmer (usually orange) lead on your unit. Use a meter or test light to find the downstream side of the fuse for the piggyback. Pull the fuse, turn on the parking lights and probe both sides of the fuse socket. Upstream side will show 12 volts, the downstream side will not. Route your wire carefully and you're ready to rock n roll.
     
    #2 6079smithw, Jul 21, 2026 at 1:40 AM
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