Expert: Cleggsan - 7/15/2009

Question
I see a couple of postings about the Ford Explorer radio display not working. I bought a used 2001 Eddie Bauer and it has the same problem - the radio works, but no lit display for channels/time/etc. I bought a used radio from a salvage yard and replaced the original - and the same problem! Do you think it is likely that both radios have the same problem or could there be a problem with the radio illumination wire itself (red with black stripe I believe). Why does this seem to be a recurring issue?

Answer
You are right - it doesn't seem likely that both radios would have the same problem with the display not coming on.

So, I agree with you it is likely the wire that feeds the display unit.

The dimmer wire in Ford Explorers is orange.  I don't know what color it is on the radio unit.  Best way to tell is by a vom (volt ohm meter) which you can easily read the voltage on the wires to check them out.  Of course the dimmer wire will be less than 12 volts when dimming.

You can buy a very useful vom for under $10 at Home Depot and Walmart.  Put the gnd probe to metal chassis and the red + probe to the wire you are checking out.  It's that simple.

Good Luck,
C

PS:  Don't rule out the possibility - even though remote - that each of the radio units DO have a bad display inside!