stereo display is out

[dgilby]

Hello everyone. Everything works on my ford explorer 2000 except for the display on the stereo. I have pulled the stereo/cd unit expecting to be able to find a small bulb. So far nothing. does anyone know how to replace the display on the stereo? Is it in fact a bulb I should be looking for? Does the stereo need to be taken apart completely?

Thanks for any help.
Dgilby

 

[manaen]

it is a known problem in those years, it is caused by the use of very weak (low temp) solder on the power supply for the display. I fixed mine by de-soldering and re-soldering all the connections in the power supply. However you may need to just replace the power supply. There are also places that will fix them for you. There is a sticky on this problem and there is also a website where you can purchase step by step instructions.

this is a multipage thread on this problem
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39115

 

[bisjoe]

That's not lit by a bulb, it's an LCD display, like on a digital watch. Some will have a fuse that goes out and has to be unsoldered and replaced or a new one soldered across the contacts, leaving the old one in place. If you can find one. Other cases may be broken solder connections from vibration or bad initial assembly. There are car stereo places that repair them, but it might be easier and possibly cheaper to get a new aftermarket unit on sale with free installation or a used one from a wrecker if they have any kind of guarantee.

 

[manaen]

I chose to repair mine because I have the steering wheel controls, I didn't want to loose those and besides the stock radio is a pretty solid unit. Well other than the PCB for the display, but that is totally fixable