*As a disclaimer I did check the entire forum and archives, similar stories but nothing that helps me specifically*


Hey guys, So I took out my stock stereo and I installed the newer stereo that I had on my 84(parts car) into my 86 (daily driver) I had the stereo installed on my 84 by the best buy guy so when I took it out it was just plug and play on my 86. Install was a piece of cake. Now however everytime I turn on the headlights my TAIL fuse blows so I unplugged the stereo and the fuse doesn't blow anymore. So my question is:

1) How can I fix the stereo issue so the fuse doesn't blow, oh and it's not the antenna plug, I also read about that nor is it my taillights, all the bulbs are fine.

Thanks guys.

[This message has been edited by Angel_Valentino (edited 07-14-2007).]

The only line in common with the tail lights is the dash lights. Radios use this line too, depending on the type of radio, to give more illumination of the dial at night (showing my age here) or to dim the displays so they are not distracting at night. Check your wireing on the radio to make sure that wire is going to the right place. I think it is a gray wire, if you need a color code for the Fiero wires I have one buried on my computer somewhere.

Rev.

fixed spelling HUKED ON FONIKS WERKED FOR ME!

[This message has been edited by the reverend (edited 07-10-2007).]

DO NOT CONNECT THE DIMMER. Modern aftermarket headunits do not need the dimmer just speakers, Memory (hot at all times)red, Power (hot when on)yellow, and ground. If the dimmer wire is not it then you maybe switched power and memory and most likely hurt your relay for the light system.

I had this problem several times when I hooked up the "Dimmer" wire.

I believe the install kit had one wire labeled "Dimmer" and one labeled "Lights" or something like that. It actually works correctly on one of the two.

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I had a similar issue putting a CD player in my vette. I lost my dash and tail lites, but the headlites worked ok. I just ran the dimmer wire on the unit to the power (ignition on) wire and fixed it. My face stays full brite all the time, but no biggie.

Did/does the 86 have the "Premium Sound" subwoofer?
It could be possible that the stereo was wired to the adapter plug but on the 84 a wire wasn't used in the subwoofer power spot.
Now on the 86 that particular wire is used but now hooked up incorrectly.

I would double check how the adapter connector is wired.
Here is the pin lay-out for the Fiero harness:
http://www.installdr.com/Harnesses/GM-Wiring.pdf

The gray wire on the Fiero side is the "Dimmer" wire.

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Thanks guys for all the replies, so if it's the dimmer wire should I just cut it off from the harness. Also I don't believe that it has the premium subwoofer option as it doesn't have the sliding bar in the dome lights. Thanks guys for all the replies really appreciate it, don't wanna spend 100 bux so the best buy guy can just plug or unplug something.

Thanks to everyone who helped out on this thread! I just had the exact same problem, and found this thread through Search. Just fixed it. Thanks again, guys.

quote Originally posted by crytical point: DO NOT CONNECT THE DIMMER. Modern aftermarket headunits do not need the dimmer just speakers, Memory (hot at all times)red, Power (hot when on)yellow, and ground. If the dimmer wire is not it then you maybe switched power and memory and most likely hurt your relay for the light system.

You've got them switched up. Yellow is 12V, Red is Accessory, and Black is Ground. He did not "hurt" his relay...that's damn near impossible to do in this situation. Normally functioning modern aftermarket decks will never pull more than 10A. If somehow he did manage to get this radio on that circuit, the SPST relays used in the headlight harness would be able to handle the extra current no problem, provided he got it on the pole. The only reason he'd be popping a fuse is if he got it on the switch circuit, the low amperage one that energizes the coil in the relay. That would pop fuses, but never eat a relay.

I will stake my reputation on the Best Buy installer hooking up the dimmer wire. It really serves no purpose on modern decks, and I generally pull it right out of the harness. Cut the dimmer wire, tape the bare ends on both sides, and you'll be all set.