$400+ to replace burned out radio light?????

[rlm]

98 Silhouette GLS with in-dash AM-FM Cassette and separate CD player mounted lower in the center consol. It appears that a couple of the lights that illuminate the control buttons on the radio have burned out. Several rows of controls are now dark. Dealership says these can't be replaced; only solution is to swap out the radio at cost of $400+. Any other suggestions? Also, light that illuminates one of the sound system control buttons on the steering wheel also has burned out, but the other buttons are still illuminated for now. All these controls (radio and steering wheel) still work fine, just no lights. Thought about removing the screws on the backside (actually the forward facing side) of the steering wheel to see if I can get to those lights, but am concerned about the airbag. Purchased the complete service manual set when the van was bought new in 98, but can't find anything in it about these problems. Any suggestions? Thanks from "In the Dark".

[thejacobhartman]

all of these lights are reletively easy to rplace with a little bit o mechanicall skill.
the steering wheel lights- disconnect battery and remove the a/b a small screw should be visible underneath and the light just pups in and out, a good napa store can find a replacement
radio lights-
ebay ebay ebay buy a used stereo just plain jain olds stereo can be am/fm with or without cd or tape. pretty much all of the lights are the same i have paid $5 for a whole stereo just for lights and knobs, remove your stereo and there will likely be two screws on each side remove them and there will be snaps holding the front on. the front should only be held on by a couple of plugs. remove them the lights will most likely be twist in/out but sometimes require soldering.
the whole thing might cost $20 and about two hours

[kidfam]

I have 3 of 4 burned out too. Hope NAPA has such a thing. Bet the GM dealer would want to soak you for the whole assembly.

Anyone know about how to replace the lights in the console switches?

[redly1]

interesting...
I used to have an 03 silo. If the dash light intensity was turned all the way up, the buttons would get mighty damn hot after a couple of hours of driving.

My solution was to dial down the brightness a bit....it would probably be a preventative to the burning out problem also

[kidfam]

Well GM will be of NO USE in helping with this problem. I have tried through several dealerships, Delco electronics and GM phone bank with ABSOLUTELY NO HELP. BOTTOM LINE IS GM WANTS TO SELL YOU ENTIRE ASSEMBLIES FOR MEG BUCKS EVEN THOUGHT THE BULBS WERE MADE TO BE REPLACED. GM SUCKS!!!!!!!!

Now here is what we all can do. There are a few companies I found while search for Console repairs on the internet. One is Southern Electronics www.instrumentclusters.com and tell them what you are looking for. You may need to scan or send the bulbs to them too. I have yet to get mine to them but will shortly.

If you need anymore info email me at [email protected]

[kidfam]

Ps. You also WILL NOT find the bulbs at NAPA or any auto parts stores