lights out on radio...can I fix it myself?

[NYC Explorer 98]

I bought a 98 explorer sport with a working radio and CD player but the lights on the radio are out. They briefly came on for an hour once, but are back off again. Is there a way to fix it myself? IF not, how much should I expect to pay at an audio repair shop?

THanks

 

[MattStarr]

Check the fuse first.... Explorer's have a crappy electrical system so this is common with many x's. Welcome to the site man.

 

[N2MUDN91]

There's another thread about this somewhere, and they said it's not repairable, you've got to buy a new radio, but thats like $450 from Ford. Might as well get a custom CD player for less !

Shane

 

[liwu]

My radio doesn't have illumination either, turns out the illumination wire isn't connected. Does anyone know where I can get this signal from? Can I just take the 12V and connect it to the illumination (I know they would be always on, but alas) ? Or can I use the illumination from one of the switches next to the radio ...

The radio side does have a square white plug connected to the ill. wire, perhaps I can use that?

Thx

 

[littleExplorer]

i bought a stereo off ebaya while ago , had no ill. checked the signal....nothing..the thing was trash

 

[samh32]

There is a simple repair under $15.00

Remove the radio and re-solder the circut board in the rear, the solder thgat was used by the factory was sub-standard.

 

[DirtDemon85]

On my old Car (96' Ford Probe) The same thing happend what i used 2 do is you take the stereo out, and take the face plate off, the bulb gets cover in suut you just clean it and its back 2 new, i dont know if this will help you but it did me... i believe it was the stock head unit thats in the x