I have a 1997 Explorer that has an AM/FM/Cassette radio & CD in the center console. The radio control backlights do not work. The lights used to work with the dimmer switch along with the rest of the guage lights. The clock display in the radio works fine, but reaching for a preset in the evening is becoming a hazard. Is there any "cure" for this? Thanks

 

The circuit that powers up the radio lights also powers up the rear radio control panel, the compass and message center and the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control...if it has any of that. Take a look and see if the lights on any of them are working. If they are then the problem would seem to be in the radio itself.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 10:06 AM (EST)]I was driving when the radio lights went out - they came and went about 3 times. I noticed that the cruise control indicator in the dash went with the lights. I haven't noticed other indicators out.
The overhead console with temperature and compass both work.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 10:11 AM (EST)]To clarify the problem, the led display in the overhead console works, for both temp and compass, but the display does not dim when the headlights come on. This is the same for the radio display.

 

The radio lights work but wont dim with the dimmer?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 07:53 PM (EST)]The radio's LED display window works. The radio's lights & the rear radio control lights do not work.

When the headlights go on, the radio LED display window stays in the "day mode" -- very bright. This is the same for the overhead temp & compass LED display.

The radio and overhead display windows should dim and the radio control buttons & thr rear radio control panel should be back lit.

 

Does anyone have any possible solutions?

 

Looking at the wiring diagram that I have it looks like 2 possibilities. Either the dimmer module (with the wheel you turn to dim the lights) or there is the dimmer relay. I dont have a clear picture of it but it says it's in the center of the dash. If I had to guess I'd say you remove the radio and it would be in behind there.
The shop manual is really vague. Let me know if you'd like me to email you a wiring diagram.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-12-03 AT 03:57 PM (EST)]Please email the wiring diagram. Thanks.

 

 

Hi, any answer on your problem. I have a 1997 with the same problem.

 

In have a '98 Explorer with in dash cd and center console. For the past year the radio display cuts in an out at random regardless of temperature/ vibrations, etc. Dealer told me that it wasn't covered under extended warranty plan ("Premium" doesn't cover electrics) but I could pay $450 for complete rebuild. Is there a capacitor/ resistor/ something that needs replacing I can do myself. The system works fine otherwise. I'd rather not replace with aftermarket as service manager suggested. Thanks.

 

Found another post about this. Did anyone else try themselves the recommended repair?