Where to connect the ILL wire on an Android radio: step-by-step guide with diagrams

Installing a radio with Android into a car is often accompanied by the question: where to connect the orange wire ILL (or ILLUMINATION)? This wire is responsible for automatically adjusting the screen brightness depending on the turning on of the side lights. An incorrect connection may result in the display being constantly backlit at night or, conversely, turning it off during the day. In this article we will look at pinout of ISO connectorsconnection options for different cars and typical mistakes that even experienced installers make.

It is important to understand that the wire ILL is not just a “comfort option”. It directly affects driving safety: a screen that is too bright at night distracts the driver, and a screen that is too dim during the day makes it impossible to read navigation tips. In addition, in some radio models (for example Pioneer SPH-DA120 or Joying JY-UL135N), incorrect connection ILL can block the operation of touch buttons or display an error "No Illumination Signal".

Before taking a soldering iron or crimp terminals, check whether your car has a standard wire lighting. In old cars (before the 2000s) it is often missing, but in modern cars (for example Toyota Corolla 2018+ or Hyundai Solaris) it can be hidden in the harness under the steering wheel. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an auto electrician, since errors in the connection can damage not only the radio, but also the on-board electronics.

What is an ILL wire and why do you need it?

Wire ILL (from English illumination —"lighting") - this is a signal cable that transmits information about turning on the side lights or dashboard lights. When you turn on the headlights, voltage is supplied through this wire +12V, and the radio automatically reduces the screen brightness to night mode. Without the correct connection ILL you will have to adjust the backlight manually, which is inconvenient and unsafe.

In most radios with Android (for example, Xtrons PB756AP or Atoto A6) wire ILL has an orange color, but in some models it may be yellow-green or gray - always check the pinout in the instructions for your radio. It is also important to distinguish it from the wire DIM (brightness adjustment), which is found in premium devices and requires separate settings.

• 🔹 Main function: automatic switching of the day/night screen mode.
• 🔹 Typical voltage: +12V when the lights are on, 0V when they are off.
• 🔹 What will happen if not connect: the screen will remain at maximum brightness or require manual adjustment.
• 🔹 What will happen if you connect incorrectly: the radio may not turn on, give errors or reset settings.

In some cars (for example, Volkswagen Passat B6 or BMW E60) the lighting signal is not transmitted via constant + 12V, and by PWM signal (pulse width modulation). In this case, you will need an additional signal converter or resistor divider for the radio to correctly recognize the command. If, after connection, the screen blinks or spontaneously changes brightness, this is a sure sign of signal incompatibility.

Where to get a light signal in a car

Signal source for the wire ILL depends on the car model. In most cases, it can be taken from:

1. Dashboard backlight lamps (the most reliable option). Usually this is a brown or orange wire in the harness going to the instrument cluster.
2. The side lights switch. Here the signal appears only when the headlights are turned on, which is not always convenient (for example, in tunnels or twilight).
3. Body control unit (BCM). In modern cars (for example Kia Rio 4 or Renault Duster), the lighting signal can come from the CAN bus - in this case you will need CAN adapter.

To find the right wire, use multimeter in DC voltage measurement mode:

Check the electrical diagram of your model (for example, in the manual or on the forums)

Set the multimeter to the 20V DC range

Connect the black probe to ground (car body)

Turn on the side lights and check the wires in the dashboard connector one by one.

The desired wire will show +12V when the headlights are on and 0V when they are off-->

Car model	Wire color ILL	Connection location	Notes
VAZ 2110-2115	Brown	Dashboard harness, pin 6	The signal appears only when the headlights are turned on
Toyota Corolla (E150)	Orange-black	BCM (body control module) connector	Requires checking with a multimeter - color may vary
Ford Focus 2	Yellow-green	Steering column switch harness	The signal can be inverted (+12V with the headlights off)
Hyundai Solaris	Gray	Instrument cluster connector, contact 12	In some versions, the signal goes via the CAN bus

If your car does not have a separate lighting wire (for example, in GAZelles Next or old Nissan Almera), you can use dimensions relay. Connect the wire ILL of the radio to pin 87 of the relay - this way the signal will appear only when the headlights are turned on. An alternative option is to connect to +12V via a resistor (1-2 kOhm), but this will lead to a constant half-brightness of the screen, which is not always convenient.

Schemes for connecting the ILL wire to the Android radio tape recorder

There are three main ways to connect the wire ILL to the radio tape recorder. The choice depends on the device model and car:

1. Direct connection to the lighting wire

The simplest and most reliable method. Suitable if the car has a standard lighting wire with a voltage of +12V when the dimensions are turned on.

Car ILL wire (for example, brown) → Radio ILL wire (orange)

If the colors of the wires do not match, use crimp terminals or soldering. Insulate the connection with heat shrink tubing.

2. Connection via a resistor (for cars without an ILL wire)

If the car does not have a separate lighting wire, you can simulate the signal using a resistor:

+12V (from the ignition or battery) → 1-2 kOhm resistor → Radio ILL wire

This method will make the radio "think" that the headlights are always on, and the screen will be in night mode. Disadvantage: the brightness will not change automatically.

3. Connection via a relay (for an inverted signal)

In some cars (for example, Ford Mondeo or Opel Astra H) the lighting signal is inverted: +12V with turned off headlights and 0V when on. In this case, you will need a relay:

85 relay contact → Ground
86 relay contact → Vehicle lighting wire (inverted)
87 relay contact → ILL wire radio
30 relay contact → +12V (from ignition)

For radios with CAN bus (for example, Pumpkin Android 10) a special adapter may be required, since the lighting signal is transmitted digitally. In this case, it is better to contact a specialist, since an incorrect connection can damage the control unit.

What to do if after connection the screen blinks?

If the radio screen starts to blink or spontaneously change brightness, this means that the signal on the ILL wire is unstable. Possible reasons:

1. Poor contact - check connections with a multimeter.

2. PWM signal instead of constant +12V - a converter is required.

3. Ground problems - connect the ILL wire to a separate ground point.

4. Incompatibility of the radio with the car's CAN bus - an adapter is needed.

B: disconnect the ILL wire and adjust the brightness manually in the radio menu (usually in the section Settings → Display).

ISO connector pinout: where is ILL

Most radio tape recorders with Android use a standard connector ISO 10487where the wire ILL is located on the contact A6 (orange wire) However, in some models (for example, in JVC KW-M745BT or Kenwood DDX4019) it may be located in another location. Below is a typical pinout:

Contact	Wire color	Purpose
A1	Yellow	Constant +12V (B+)
A2	Red	+12V from ignition (ACC)
A3	Black	Ground (GND)
A6	Orange	ILL (lighting)
B7	Blue/white	ANT (antenna control)

If your radio has a non-standard connector (for example, QuadLock in some Pioneer), use adapter to ISO or check the documentation. In radios Android made in China (for example, Eonon GA9163) the wires may not be marked according to the standard - in this case look for the inscription ILL or ILLUM on the board.

To check the correct connection, turn on the side lights and measure the voltage on the orange wire of the radio connector. It should be:

• 🔋 0V — with the headlights off;
• 🔋 +12V —with the headlights on.

If the voltage is absent or does not change, check the lighting circuit fuse (usually F10 or F20 in the fuse block).

Typical errors when connecting ILL

Even experienced installers sometimes make mistakes that lead to incorrect operation of the radio. Here are the most common ones:

⚠️ Attention: If after connecting the radio stops turning on or gives an error "Illumination Error", immediately disconnect the wire ILL and check the circuit for a short circuit. In some models (for example, Sony XAV-AX5000), an incorrect signal on ILL blocks the start. device.

• ❌ Connecting to +12V without a resistor: leads to a constant half-brightness of the screen. The radio "thinks" that the dimensions are always on.
• ❌ Using the brake light wire: the screen will blink when braking.
• ❌ Confusion with wires ILL and DIM: in some radios DIM is responsible for manual brightness adjustment, and ILL for automatic brightness control. If they are mixed up, the screen may go completely dark.
• ❌ Poor insulation: if a bare wire ILL touches ground, the radio will reset or turn off.

Another common problem is inverted signal. For example, in Mazda 3 or Subaru Forester on the lighting wire there may be +12V when turned off the headlights are on and 0V when they are on. If you do not take this into account and connect directly, the screen will be. dim during the day and bright at night. The solution is to use a relay to invert the signal (the diagram is shown above).

In radios with Android 10/11 (for example, Dasaita PX6) sometimes there is a bug when the brightness settings are reset after a reboot. In this case, the latest firmware version or manual adjustment in the file will help (root access is required). build.prop (root access required).

How to adjust the screen brightness after connecting ILL

Even if the wire ILL is connected correctly, additional brightness adjustment may be required in the radio menu. In most devices, the Android path looks like this:

Settings → Display → Brightness → Auto-adjustment (or Night Mode)

In some firmware (for example, in Malaysia-ROM for Joying) these settings can be hidden in the engineering menu. To get there:

1. Hold the button Menu for 5 seconds.
2. Enter the code 3368 or 126 (depends) from the model).
3. Go to section Display Settings.

If automatic adjustment does not work correctly (for example, the screen dims too much), calibrate the light sensor:

• 📱 Open Settings → System → Sensors.
• 📱 Select Light calibration.
• 📱 Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to close the sensor with your hand and then open it).

In radios with CAN bus (for example, in some Pumpkin) brightness settings may be blocked if the signal ILL is not recognized. In this case, it will help:

• 🔧 Updating the radio firmware.
• 🔧 Installing a 10 kOhm resistor between ILL and ground (signal simulation).
• 🔧 Disabling automatic adjustment in the settings.

What to do if the ILL wire is missing or damaged

In old cars (for example, VAZ 2107 or Moskvitch 2141there may be no lighting wire at all. In this case, there are several. outputs:

1. Signal imitation with a resistor: as described above, connect ILL to +12V through a 1-2 kOhm resistor. The screen will be in a semi-bright state.
2. Manual control: disconnect the wire ILL and adjust the brightness manually through the menu.
3. Installing an external light sensor: some radios (for example, Atoto A6 Pro) support connecting an external photoresistor.
4. Upgrading electrical wiring: Stretch a separate wire from the headlight switch.

If the wire ILL is damaged (for example, chafed or oxidized), restore it:

• 🔧 Find the break point using a multimeter in the "continuity" mode.
• 🔧 Strip and solder the wire, insulating it with heat shrink.
• 🔧 If a section in the harness is damaged, replace it entirely using repair parts connectors.

In radios with Android 9 and below sometimes software disabling the signal check ILLhelps. To do this:

1. Install the application MTCD Tools (for processors Rockchip or Allwinner).
2. Go to section System Tweaks.
3. Disable the option Check Illumination Signal.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling signal testing ILL may lead to unstable operation of the radio, especially if it is integrated with the car's CAN bus. Use this method only as a last resort.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting the ILL

Is it possible to connect the ILL to the brake light wire?

No, this cannot be done. The brake lights supply +12V only when you press the brake pedal, which will cause the screen to flash. This distracts the driver and can lead to an accident. Use only the side lights or dashboard backlight wire.

Why does the radio not turn on after connecting the ILL?

Most likely, there is a short circuit. wire ILL to ground or +12V. Check the circuit with a multimeter:

1. Disconnect the wire ILL from the radio.
2. Check the voltage between ILL and ground: it should be 0V at headlights are off and +12V when they are on.
3. If the voltage is absent or does not change, the problem is in the car wiring.

Also check the radio fuse (usually F1 or F2 on the board).

How to connect ILL if the car has a CAN bus?

If the lighting signal is transmitted via a CAN bus (for example, BMW E90 or Audi A4 B8), you will need CAN adapter (for example, iDataLink Maestro or PAC RP4). These devices convert the digital CAN signal to analog + 12V for the wire ILL. Connecting without an adapter can lead to errors in the on-board computer.

The cost of adapters starts from 3,000 rubles, but they also allow you to integrate the radio with the steering wheel and climate control.

Is it possible to do without a wire ILL?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🔸 The screen will always be in daytime mode (maximum brightness), which is inconvenient at night.
• 🔸 In some radios (for example, Sony XAV-AX100) without a signal ILL button backlight does not work.
• 🔸 There may be problems with the sensor (if it depends on the lighting level).

If you are happy with this, just insulate the wire ILL and adjust the brightness manually.

Where can I find the connection diagram for my radio?

The diagram can be found:

• 📄 In the instructions for the radio (usually in the section Wiring Diagram).
• 📄 On the manufacturer's website (in the section Support or Downloads).
• 📄 On forums (for example, 4PDA or Drive2 - look for a topic based on your radio model).
• 📄 In mobile applications (for example, AudioControl for some brands).

If there is no diagram, take a photo of the radio board and look for the marking ILL next to the connector.