Expert: Garry S. McLemore - 4/12/2004

Question
Hi Garry,
I hope you can help. I have a '98 Ford Explorer with a factory installed dual media audio system with CD DJ compatibility.(This is the description given in the Audio Guide which came with the vehichle.)It is a stereo radio with cd and cassette. The lcd display is no longer illuminated. For awhile it would fade in and out but it has now gone totally black. Are there bulbs that have burned out, or is the problem more complex than that? I surely don't want to put a new radio in, but I would like to know what station is playing and what the time of day is. Can you help? Thanks
Toni

Answer
My expertise is with home style audio, television and pro sound electronics, but I'll try. Most lcd type displays have long(20mm) and very thin (2-3mm) incandescent lamps which can be replaced. The trick is getting to them. Faceplate usually has screws or fragile plastic tabs holding faceplate. Once removed, should be a simple fix, as long as you have some desoldering/soldering skills. Hope this helps, Garry.......