2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Some radio lights out?

[ANicklas]

The other day I noticed the lights behind the "2" and "3" on the faceplate of my stock head unit (radio, CD and cassette) wouldn't turn on with the rest of them.

I assume it to just be a burned out bulb; is there any fix for this, or should I just live with it?

Everything works fine, it's just that those two keys don't light up.



TIA

aleksei

 

[WTBurke]

Mine too

I have know idea how to service this. I do assume they are LED's because of the size. It's access to these little buggers that is going to be a pain.



William

 

[Tractorat]

I have an aftermarket Alpine radio in my CTD, so I'm not absolutely sure. But if its anything like my 94 Chrysler, or my 2000 Buick, you have to replace the whole radio. (And Im pretty sure thats the case with anyones radio anymore).



TRat

 

[WDaniels]

Your going to have to live with it. There is no way to replace the LED's behind the buttons. That is why I replaced my unit with an alpine that is ready for sat and can control an IPod.

WD

 

[ANicklas]

Well I guess I'll just stick it out until I upgrade heads some day... . it really doesn't bother me too much, it just looks like an empty hole in my radio.

Kind of frustrating thinking that I can't just replace a little LED and be done with it #@$%!. Oh well... .

Thanks for the info... .

 

[WTBurke]

Darn... I was hoping for the best but... .

Perhaps this winter I'll try to pull the entire unit out and break it down for analysis. I'm pretty good at electronics and if discreet mini LED's can be substituted I'll post my findings.



Trouble with doing this sort of work is once you find the fix the internal amplifier or CD device will fail in short order.



TRat has cut his frustration and just replaced the unit... it's probably the best way to go in the long run.



WD... you're spot on... IPod's ROCK!



William

 

[crasher]

Wheat lamps in mine

Hmmm...

My '97 had individual wheat lamp lightbulbs in it. When a few bulbs in mine went out [before I got a Sony with blue lights that matched the blue LEDs from Chick(en) Hauler] I just got a cheap one off ebay that advertised a few bulbs out, and combined the two. It was alot easier than I expected,(unplug/swap/plug), just time consuming with shopping and waiting for the right deal and shipping. All in all, I do prefer my Sony. :-laf

 

[arollan]

Bright Idea DC

Dodge dealer tells you the only option you have is to replace the radio for another refurbished stock radio for the price of $200-$400. I decided that if I were to spend that it might as well be on a brand new head unit - then I began thinking why bother making the bulb replaceable if you can't ever find the bulb to replace it. So, I took the faceplate of my radio off last night and witnessed several more bulbs blown than I thought (2 and 3 radio presets were dark so I assumed 1 or 2 bulbs out)... turns out there are about 5-6 out. It is now 3:30 in the afternoon and I started tracking these suckers at 8am this morning. Here is all the leg work for those that need these...

United Radio Service
1-800-448-0944
United Radio Service - Automotive Division Products Serviced Page

Make sure you have the model number of the radio (found on the sticker on the top of the radio) and do not be timid when they pressure you for a business name to ship to. I assume they deal mostly with dealers and certified repair locations, however, if you give them a VISA or MC number they will sell anything to anyone. The bulbs are $2. 00 a piece plus tax and shipping. They ship same day - delivered the next.

By the way, if you are unsure how to remove the bulbs, simply remove the two silver screws behind the faceplate (once faceplate is removed) and remove the circuit board. Take a small straight screwdriver and twist counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn. Push bulb out from front of board.

 

[WDaniels]

By the way, if you are unsure how to remove the bulbs, simply remove the two silver screws behind the faceplate (once faceplate is removed) and remove the circuit board. Take a small straight screwdriver and twist counterclockwise 1/4 of a turn. Push bulb out from front of board

Outstanding Job! That is what I love about this site. There isn't anything on this truck that hasn't been torn apart, fixed, modified, put together wrong, put together right, had fix arounds and just overall adapted to the point of being unrecognizable. Gotta love it!

WD

 

[tgordon]

Ok all you electronic guys, my light for the fog lamp switch is out. As long as you are reading this any of you know how to replace that one? Not that I have tried as I just saw it the other day and have not had time to venture there yet.

 

[Gene Arnold]

OE Infinity is OK in mine (although I had to take it in a few years back for the tech to clean switches and pushbuttons). However, I have an Alpine unit in my Airstream that has issues that I'm living with. It has a removable faceplate that has gone dark. I've paid the same tech referenced above $28 twice to fix it. It went dark again last year. I can shine a flashlight on it to see stations, etc. so it is usable, but it is a royal pain. I thought of trying to fix it myself but I can't even figure how to disassemble it much less replace any bulb that might be there. I'm keeping my eyes open for a good buy on a used replacement.



Gene

 

[arollan]

Gene,

I found this company in my long search yesterday. I do not know prices, but they are highly recommended. If you tell them your story you might get some better service as to why it keeps failing. I believe they also have a warranty on their work. If it is too pricey the next best guess would be to just replace it with a nice new navigation DVD screen! Oo.

Sound Repair :. Mobile Electronics Specialists . : Dodge Car Radio Repair

They will not sell parts, but they will take money and a radio for repair.