Radio Console Display gone

[raymondc]

I recently bought a used 98 Explorer Limited. I love my truck very much.
But there is a problem with this truck when I purchased it from the previous owner. The display of the radio console is gone. The dadio and CD are working perfectly. And all the bottons seem also working. There is just no DISPLAY. So you don't know which radio station or which song you are listening. Does anyone here have the same problem on their truck? Anyone know how to fix it? I appreciate if anyone here can point out where to look first.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Turdle]

First , welcome to the site. you will find a wealth of information here. Especially if you use the search function. You will find several instances of this. Some have repaired, some have given up and gone with an aftermarket HU.
I gave up after replacing unit once, then went aftermarket. Yes you lose the rear control.
yes it's a bummer

 

[diesell]

Radio display vanishing

I had the same problem develop on my Mach dual media radio in my '98 Explorer. United Radio Inc is the automotive industry radio repair vendor. I sent them my failed unit and they exchanged it for a remanufactured unit for $185 back in 2001. You can contact United Radio at:
800-448-0944 or 315-446-5570
Automotive Divison
5705 Enterprise Parkway
East Syracuse NY 13057

They also have a website: www.unitedradio.com

 

[Lazzman]

There was a kit being offered by someone a while back. A new motherboard or something for $100 that fixed this problem.

From what I saw the instructions on installing it looked relatively straightforward.

A detailed write up was posted on this board a while back. Maybe someone can provide a link?

 

[pfeffer1728]

shoot if you're gonna spend that kind of money just go ahead and put in an aftermarket. it will sound 200% better anyways

 

[diesell]

I'm <very> satified with the Mach audio system at 290 watts with an 8 inch subwoofer, all factory installed. It's much better than the VW Monsoon and GM and M-B Bose factory installed audio sound systems.

 

[eye]

dyi trial balloon

although I have not had this problem with my explorer, my 98 regal gs had the exact same problem with the factory climate control.Everything worked but no display. On the web found a work around re soldered loose transitors and presto all is well. It may be worth pulling the deck and checking the boards. Never soldered in my life but was able to figure it out.
May be worth a try before replacing the unit.

 

[gijoecam]

www.pacificaudiotech.com

Ask for Trevor.

Unless you are highly skilled at soldering printed circuit boards. I thought I was.... I wasn't. I made mince-meat out of my board, not to mention I let all the smoke out of it in the process. Trevor hooked me up.... $65 included return shipping, and he also does a preventive fix on the volume knob to seal it up and prevent it from failing as well (apparently they corrode and stop working).

Good luck!

-Joe