Some background: I have a 4-way PSP chip w/ a the PATS disable feature and am running a separate PCM that I bought. I installed a new pioneer headunit, coaxials, amp and subs about 2-3 weeks ago. I also put in a new gatorback accessory belt last week cuz the stock belt was slipping (it actually fixed it thank goodness).

The problem started yesterday, I was driving w/ my headlights on and a few minutes after starting the truck the backlight for the instrument panel (speedo, tach, etc) went out. The lights for everything else (A/C controls, light switch, etc) and my headlights were still on. I was in auto mode so I switched my headlights to the on position and still the same. About 8-9 minutes after the backlight goes out, it flickers like 2-3 times and a minute later the backlight comes on. I didnt think it was a blown fuse because the light came back on (I checked anyways just to be sure). Now its doing this everytime I have the headlights on and its really annoying at night cuz I cant see anything, most importantly how fast im going (...um.. officer I swear I didnt know I was going 70...)

Now I know it's not necessarily the PATS disable or even the chip thats causing the problem (the reason i put it in the subject was to hopefully get Sal's attention). Tomorrow i'm going to remove the chip and new pcm, clean the contacts and see if it helps. If it doesnt I'm going to stick the old pcm back in.

Just wondering if anybody had any ideas on what it could or couldnt be, hopefully to save me some time. Could it be the chip or the pcm? If not, could it be the new audio system? Any help is appreciated, Thanks

 

Well, it's definitely not the chip or PCM. Sounds like you may have a ground issue, or some other wiring related issue, maybe caused by the stereo.

 

Sal, thanks for the quick response, exactly what I wanted to hear so I wouldnt have to go through the trouble of removing everything. I guess I'll go through the stereo equipment tomorrow.