Fixing factory headunit lighting...

[ThatExplorerDude]

So under normal usage of the factory headunit in my 1997 4.0l SOHC XLT (too many letters....) the display lighting is easy enough to see, use, etc with the headlights off.

However as soon as I click the lights on (circular knob on far life side of steering wheel) the display goes dark. Even when the dimmer is set to max (all the way up) the stereo lighting is very dim.

Im not hugely concerned necessarily about the factory headunit. However I'm installing a new headunit, and as far as Im to determine the lighting on the system is pulled from the same wire for the factory headunit... Will this cause an display (illumination) issue in the aftermarket headunit as it does in the factory headunit?

If so, what can I do to fix this issue?

 

[ThatExplorerDude]

..... No one???

 

[Bobmbx]

Its a common issue. Eventually the display will not work at all. Its caused by piss poor solder design in the radio. Over time, the solder on the circuit boards cracks and causes an open circuit. For the displays, there is a series of resistors which commonly cause an open. Once they are all cracked, the display will not work at all.

You can fix it yourself if you can solder. Here are two posts that may help:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187953&highlight=display+solder

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39115&highlight=display+solder

 

[ThatExplorerDude]

Its a common issue. Eventually the display will not work at all. Its caused by piss poor solder design in the radio. Over time, the solder on the circuit boards cracks and causes an open circuit. For the displays, there is a series of resistors which commonly cause an open. Once they are all cracked, the display will not work at all.

You can fix it yourself if you can solder. Here are two posts that may help:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187953&highlight=display+solder

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39115&highlight=display+solder

Im not sure Ill go this route, considering Im replacing the Headunit... will placing a new stereo headunit fix the problem?

 

[Bobmbx]

Im not sure Ill go this route, considering Im replacing the Headunit... will placing a new stereo headunit fix the problem?

I would say so. The issue is inside the head unit.

 

[ThatExplorerDude]

I would say so. The issue is inside the head unit.

Awesome Thanks for the good news.. Im ok at soldering... doing all the connections and such myself.. but Im not what you would consider a professional or a master

 

[ThatExplorerDude]

Awesome Thanks for the good news.. Im ok at soldering... doing all the connections and such myself.. but Im not what you would consider a professional or a master

My wiring Harness came in today from Ebay for my new Headunit. Install should be starting soon-ish