Metra kit 99-7862 with accord dx 2003
 

I got installed a Metra kit 99-7862 with a Pioneer radio to replace my original radio which was not working well. It works well but I lost night lighting on my original radio, so I can't see the A/C controls. :(

I checked the Honda repair manuel and I think that if I add a pass through for pin A1 (radio switch amp) to my Metra harness, that would power up the radio again. I would not use the radio as a sound system, but only as a clock and a source of power for night lighting.

The harness lets through pin A9 (lights-on signal) and A19 (dash lights brighness controller) but I think none of them actually provides power to night lighting but rather serves as signal to turn on lights.

So I ordered on ebay a male and female connector to modify my harness.

My question, is it ok to power up the original radio and leave it off, and that it doesn't have any speakers connected. In off state, is it going draw too much power, combined with my Pioneer radio?

it will be fine to do what you are planning, it is fine to leave it powered. it won't draw much at all in a stand-by state.

Thanks