radio and time led display...

[bbfalls]

Hello all, the radio and time led display is completely out on my Pontiac radio.

It is an AM/FM with CD player; works fine; just no display.

It gave a bit of 'garbage' as the display sometimes for about 5 months, but it would always seem to right itself after a few start ups.

Dimmer is up, and/or on and the rest of the dash lights are fine.

Is this something I can fix if I took the radio apart? Any ideas?

Thanks.

[doctorhrdware]

There is a bulb that is behind the display that burns out. The bulb needs to be replaced/ I think that may be a write up on that subject in the Maintenance area or do a search on the forum.

[BNaylor]

What year and model Pontiac is this?

[bbfalls]

Sorry 'bout that, it's a 99 sunfire. 2.2l auto.

So to get to the bulb, remove the radio? Hope I find the bulb cuz entering the radio code without a display will be fun.

[doctorhrdware]

Yes you have to remove the radio from the dash. Open up that radio and you will see that lamp that is used to illuminate the radio display. I do not remember which plate that needs to be removed to gain access to the display lamp.

[Ralph123]

Let me guess. You have a Monsoon radio right?

The problem is probably not the bulb but a HAIRLINE crack on a solder joint. You can fix it. It's not as hard as it sounds. You'll have to take the face plate off the front to get to the circuit board. Use a magnifying glass to find the crack solder joint. A bad solder joint usually looks gray and dull instead of shiny silver. Or You can put a dab of solder on all the joints. The crack is very small but you can see it if you look close.

Here's some more links>>
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/stereo...t-working.html

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/stereo...backlight.html

[bbfalls]

Thanks for the reply! I do not know what a Monsoon radio is? Model, type, color of display? Here is what I do know however, it is the pontiac model radio with a built in cd player and a 5 or 7 band eq (its outside and I cant remember), lights up in orange. All other dashlights work fine, in fact so does the radio. When you shine a flashlight on the display you can see the numbers, station whatever.

I will look for the solder issue, and of course the bulb will be obvious when I take out the radio. I am thinking the plastic trim pulls off and then radio screws. Time to get the book out.

Thanks! I welcome all suggestions, you won't hurt my ego.

[Ralph123]

Does it look like this? On the upper left it says Pontiac Monsoon.

Click to enlarge

[bbfalls]

That is the radio! But if it said Monsoon on the radio, it has wore off by now...I will look later when the car gets home...

[Ralph123]

I have the same Monsoon stereo system in my 99 Firebird. Unfortunately, the speakers that came with the system can't handle the power from the radio. I've blown two speakers already.
The radio locks separately from the car. If you need an owners manual for your car you can get a free one here >>> http://www.extendedgmwarranty.com/ow...r_manuals.html

Here's a soldering tip. Apply solder to the hot iron so there is a little drip hanging off the tip of the iron and touch that to the joint. The solder will flow into the crack.

[doctorhrdware]

Originally Posted by Ralph123

Here's a soldering tip. Apply solder to the hot iron so there is a little drip hanging off the tip of the iron and touch that to the joint. The solder will flow into the crack.

That is not the proper way to fix the cold solder joints. The proper way is to heat up the cold solder joint first and then apply new solder to the joint.

[Ralph123]

Originally Posted by doctorhrdware

That is not the proper way to fix the cold solder joints. The proper way is to heat up the cold solder joint first and then apply new solder to the joint.

The problem with that method is you run the risk of burning out the component by applying the hot iron to it for any length of time. Also, It can become quite messy with the old and new solder running away from the joint and shorting other joints.

By having just a tiny drip on the end of the iron and touching it to the joint that is enough to melt the old solder and allow the new solder to mesh with it.

One other solder tip. Make sure you use solder that is made for electrical contacts. Radio Shack sells a kit with the iron, solder, and stand for 7.99 >> http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...odsInSession=1

[doctorhrdware]

All you have to do is remove the old solder with solder wick or a solderpullit(which is a hand held desoldering tool. It uses a vacuum to remove the solder from a pc board.) By just putting solder on the tip of the iron and dropping it on the cold solder joint it is highly likely to still have a cold solder joint. This is due to that the rosin in the solder is vaporized on the hot iron which is to aid having a clean and shiny solder joint. I use to be a Field Service Engineer until I was injured on the job. Still do some repairs to keep my skills sharp.

[Ralph123]

I too have some empirical knowledge with soldering and I think for the average Joe putting a dab of solder on a bad joint will work just fine. Although your method is technically better, the chances for an inexperienced person to screw it up is much higher.