2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Radio Illumination Bulbs 2001.5

[Shelby Griggs]

I have at least one or two of the bulbs that illuminate the face of the radio out on my 2001. 5, did a search here, didn't come up with much, one thread in 2005 indicated that they were not replaceable, at least by the owner.



Has anybody found a way to replace these bulbs and if so, what bulb is the correct one?



SHG

 

[Tractorat]

Are you sure they are actually light bulbs ? Most of the "bulbs" were out in the radio of my car. I took it out, when the radio stopped working, and took the radio to an electronics repair shop. They charged me $100. When I got it back, the radio worked just like new. And, now all of the lights work. There was something on the invoice about realigning the lazers, but nothing about bulbs.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Well, not sure of anything, since I haven't pulled the unit out, pretty sure they are either bulbs or LED's, most likely bulbs since those would be cheaper. The laser alignment would probably be the laser for reading a CD/DVD, just a tape player on my truck. I have found several places online that repair OEM radio systems, may just do that and they can refresh the whole thing, 12 years old, so may need a few other things too. The prices I am seeing online are in the $100-$200 range, similar to your experience.



SHG

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Pulled the radio yesterday and disassembled the face plate, not a bad job, if a little scary the first time. You actually have to disassemble the face plate to access the bulbs.



Unsoldered one of the bulbs before I figured out that wasn't needed, they looked like they were surface mounted soldered sockets, BUT in fact the bulb and socket will pull off the printed circuit board with a little persuasion. There are 11 incandescent bulbs with blue filters to illuminate the face plate.



Nine of 11 were non functional on my radio.



Trying to source the bulbs, no markings at all on the OEM bulbs, they look to be a T-1 wire lead bulb, my closest guess is a No. 23 bulb http://www.jkllamps.com/pdfs/WT_STANDARD_T-1.pdf, 14V, 0. 04 amps each.



I destroyed two of the bulb filters already, they are stuck to the bulb due to heat and time, I don't think they can be saved.



JKL, also looks to have the bulb filters (39-01-5A) http://www.jkllamps.com/pdfs/39-01.pdf.



They have two blue filters, I have an e-mail into them to see if they can tell me the difference in color, it may be the blue-white color rather than blue.



Only problem now is that these come in bulk, minimum quantity of 20 on the bulbs ($25) and I think minimum quantity of 100 on the filters, which I think is also around $25.



I may go into the bulb replacement business with a stockpile of these parts, LOL.



SHG

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Update: Great customer service from JKL, received some "samples" on Saturday and replaced all 11 bulbs, one thing of note it appears that there are at least two groups of bulbs in series, therefore a burned out or missing bulb seems to cause multiple "no light" conditions. Once ALL 11 bulbs were replaced they all came on.



Here is a question though: My controls are pretty dim still and seem to be much whiter in color than the rest of the controls such as the HVAC stack and the headlight switch. Mine have been mostly burned out for so long that I don't know if that is normal or if I need to keep looking for different replacements. Opinions from anybody that has a stock AM/FM/Cassette in a 2001 that could tell me if the radio should be much dimmer than the rest of the controls would be appreciated.



SHG

 

[SnoKing]

I have a whole radio in a drawer in the garage! Took it out many years ago. SNOKING

 

[Shelby Griggs]

What radio AND are you interested in parting with it?



SHG

 

[SnoKing]

Radio

It is my original AM/FM/cassette factory radio from 2001. 5 Ram. Chrysler part number P56038933AB Make me an offer. PM me an email address and I will send you a photo. Took it out around 2002-4 to install a CD player/radio.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Update Two: Changed out the bulbs again, now I have a nicely lighted radio.



If there is enough interest, I am thinking of offering these bulbs to members for around $25 for a set of 11 (includes S&H), I have to purchase these in bulk quantities with a minimum order of 100 pieces. I am also thinking of offering this as a service for around $75 per radio (+S&H) for those that might be intimidated by tearing into the radio. Right now, I only know what is required for the RAS stock radio unit.



I am attaching a few photos of what the radio board and bulbs look like.



If anyone is interested, please contact me here or via PM.