Wiring Dimmable Light In Aftermarket Dash Switch

I’m installing aftermarket dash switches to send trigger power to lighting relays. The brand of switches I’m using is irrelevant. I want one of the two LEDS in the switch to light up when the headlights are on and dim with the other dash lights. I know which terminals on the switch will accomplish this. I’m also aware that the ground side of the circuit is what dims the light. I’m looking for someone who has actually spliced into these wires and has firsthand experience with success in doing so.

My Question; In the picture below, are these the wires and correct polarity to provide power to the “dash” lights in our new switches?

I’ve done due diligence and read through a few threads that touched on my specific question. They were helpful in pointing me in the right direction but, as they went on the information was confused with conjecture, guesses, and comments that had little to do with the original topic. I’m starting this new thread to hopefully “unfog” the question with correct, straight to the point answers. Thank You.

 

We got it all figured out and it works AWESOME! We'll finish up this weekend and have a complete install video up on our YouTube channel.

 

It took a little digging and testing;

 

You got it all figured out? I am interested to know which was which for sure , about to do the same thing. this will save me some wire poking. Did you post this info up somewhere? Thanks for doing this!

 

Holy cow!

I'll be watching that video, as I recently added a switch for ditch lights and I want to get the backlight working.

Thank you for sharing!

 

So I have a 2014 4Runner SR5 Premium, I pulled out the dimmer switch and my green wire is ground and my grey wire is power. also to make things difficult not only is it power but it is power even with key off all doors closed and interior light off no mater if headlights are on or off. Any Ideas where else I could get a dimmed wire that would be on the ignition? I also tried the wiper switch as some have used as well with no luck. I can use a wire there (I believe Blue) to get switched power for the Trigger wire however it is not a dimmable circuit.


Follow up, So I got this figured out on a 2014 SR5 Premium, it is apparently very different from Wonderlosts 2017. Everything is opposite and I ended up using different wires and from the wiper heater switch to get all the ones that I needed, Power, Ground, And dimmer. Works great Now!

 

On our Toyotas the dimmer function is on the ground side. Hope that helps you.

 

Thanks for all the great info ... so, I think I screwed something up. Have a 2018 Runner ... tried tapping the wires but now seem to have lost lights on the AC unit. Is it possible I blew a fuse somewhere? Anyone have any suggestions?

 

when you tapped the wire are you certain that you did not sever it?

 

Not sure. I was reluctant to remove the tap ... is it possible to remove it and reinsert it if it is not severed?

 

I just tried a continuity check on each of the taps without the quick disconnects inserted and there is continuity.

 

Thanks again Foxtrapper. Figured it out ... blew a fuse. I thought that was probably the case, just didn't know which fuse. After a bit more research ... duh ... the 7.5a fuse labeled "Panel". Guess I was too deep in the weeds. Anyway, all good now ... switch panel all wired up with dimmer feature included. Have a 2018 TRD Off-Road 4R and the dimmer wiring was the same for me ... Green (+) and Grey (-).

 

I ended up with the same problem as wanderingFoxes, I got my lights wired up but not my AC backlight is not coming on. I’ve checked and replaced the same ‘panel’ fuse but it didn’t help. In a ‘15 TE.

 

Meaning we need to run the ground from the switch to the factory dimmer instead of the frame?

 

correct

 

Ugh, so I can get the switches to dim using the factory dimmer green and grey wires. The problem is that the backlighting doesn’t go off when I turn off the ignition. All other functions work fine. The switch lights up and turns on the accessory when pushed. I’ve spent all day trying to find a solution. I ultimately connected to my wiper heater illumination wire. My switches light up when the lights are turned on but will not adjust with the dimmer. Any suggestions?

 

Does anyone have a final answer to this? I’m attempting to use a 4runner 4 pin dimmer switch in my boat. So I found the two pins that have continuity. Two on the left. There are 4 pins total.
Would someone be able to share with me how to wire up this dimmer switch for my boat gauges? Currently when the lights come on, I have all of my accessory lights (stereo lights, gauge lights, switch illumination, cup holder lights) running off the positive wire from the light switch. It just runs in a daisy chain from one device to the next once it comes off the head light switch (positive side obviously). I would like to use the dimmer switch to dim everything but the headlights. I’ve read one this string that the negative side is how the dimming works on this switch. There are 4 pins on the rear of the dimmer switch.
Would someone be generous enough to share with me how to wire this in line to dim all my accessories? This switch also has the option that if you roll the dimmer wheel up, the dome light turns on. So I’m confused what all 4 of the pins are for. I did determine using a multimeter that the

 

Did the video for this ever get posted? I can't find it on YouTube...anyone have a link?

S