'99 Explorer, the display above the windshield was working until a couple of weeks ago and now it's dead. What can I do to fix it?

 

Properly diagnose it.

Sure, that's a pretty generic comment, but about all the more detailed we can be until you provide more detail. Have you confirmed that power is getting to it? Have you checked the fuse for it?

-Rod

 

I have an owners manual and a Chiltons book and neither of them show a fuse for the overhead display. I get nothing when I push the "mode" switch. Also the light on the passenger's side is out and I don't know how to get the lens off to change it.

 

The fuse for the overhead console is fuse 10 (7.5A) in the Fuse Junction Panel. This is the panel below the instrument cluster on the driver's side.

My recall is to change the map lights you need to lower the overhead console. If your overhead console has the garage door opener compartment, there are a couple of screws in there. Otherwise I think it's all just snapped in place.

-Rod

 

That fuse also has many more uses and is not blown. "speed control/amplifier assembly, generic electronic module, shift lock actuator, and more". Everything else on the fuse works. There has to be a plug on the console that I'll try to find in the daylight. Any other suggestions.

 

Drop the overhead console down, then check for power right at the console. If the connection to the console is good and there is power there, then there's a pretty high likelihood that the issue is the compass/temperature module. The power wire from fuse 10 is the Gray/Yellow wire at the overhead connector.

One other thought. The instrument illumination signal goes to the display unit. Is there a chance you're now driving with your headlights on all the time and have the instrument illumination turned all the way down?

-Rod

 

I have no idea how to drop the console. I don't have a garage door opener pocket, sun roof. Do I put a kitchen knife in the sides and work it off, or? I didn't have time yesterday, had to go fishing.

 

How to drop the upper console. Grab the front, by the windshield, and pull down. Pull it toward the windshield to get it out of the rear clip. Yes, I have power to everything but it doesn't work. I'll have to look for a good used whole console, including the map lights. Anyone have a suggestion where to look? I'm near Gainesville, GA.