radio display problem
- Thread starter rambo33
- Start date
salannelson
New member
i had this same problem. this sounds kinda funny and cheap, but flick the display with your finger a few times and it should come on.
By removing the front dash cover you will gain access to radio.The small display window removes and there is a small bulb in there that you can replace.Radio is fine.The bulb is all it needs.
I just finished fixing my radio display. And have 3 others to fix. Yes there is a bulb in there but finding one became a real problem. I went to all the dealers and auto parts stores in the area and no one had one. I found one on ebay for $20.00. Then I found a website with the GM part number for $9.00. The part number is 16208443. Your dealer can order it and have it the next day. The next problem was removing the dash. I found that on another website and is fairly easy. Remove the plastic on the bottom by pulling straight down on the back. There are two plastic pins sticking up and can be felt by reaching on top. Then pull it towards you. Next remove two screws, one on each side. That will remove the panel under the steering colum. Then start removing the dash face by pulling the lower left corner towards you. It is held by metal clips. Work your way around until the foglamp switch. Unplug it and continue all the way aruond to the radio. Tilt the steering wheel down and remove it. The stereo is held in by 2 screws. Remove them and pull it out. Unhook the antenna, and the harness. There is a lock on the harness so be careful not to pull on the wires. When you get the stereo out take it somewhere so you have good light and plenty of room. You do not have to take any screws out just pop off the front. BE CAREFUL FOR STATIC ELECTRICITY!!!! Be sure you are discharged by touching something other than the radio. Wear a t-shirt and if possible no shoes or socks. One shock could kill your stereo because you will be working on the circuitboard. When you get the face off look at the cups where the bulb sits, mine was dusty and the bulb was good but I broke it trying to get it out because I did not know how to do it. The bulb is a quarter turn like a headlight. Turn it clockwise. Use a small pliers on the sides and be very gentle. Do not stick anything in the slot in the center or you will break the bulb. Inspect the cups and clean them if necessary. When you replace it put a small amount of electrical grease in the cups and on the bottom of the bulb. It should go in by hand. I hope this is useful. It is easy and requires few tools. I have searched this for a long time and read numerous solutions wich were wrong. The display is not LED. And you must remove the dash face to remove the radio.
One problem I came across when fixing these radios is usually what happens is the bulb does not make good contact with the circuitboard because of dust getting getting between the bulb ears and the cups. The cups get hot and melts the solder on the board. Im trying to find a replacement board on line but havent been able to find one. I am going to try to get one from AC Delco but they dont like to sell parts unless you are a qualified dealer. I dont know why because its my radio. And Im going to take it to an electronics store to see if they can fix it.