hi, new and in need of help!

[zootzee]

Hi all,
I am brand new and searched for a while but couldn't find what I was looking for. So now I have to ask.
I have a 1989 ford Taurus and I put in a new radio. The problem is the display doesn't light up. I know it maybe the fault of the radio, but beside the radio I have a clock and it has the same problem. This is the second radio I put in and when I put the other one in the clock did light up for a while. It didn't with the factory radio in.
I am just wondering if this radio is drawing to much power or if there is a short or if there is a fuse just for the displays?
I don't know but the clock and radio work fine you just have to strane real bad to see what they say in daylight, but forget it at night.
Hopefully someone here can help me and steer me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance!

[Willyum]

Major cause of auto electrical problems is the installation of an aftermarket radio. The plug and its connection to the OEM radio is an important part of the electrical system.

[zootzee]

Originally Posted by Willyum

Major cause of auto electrical problems is the installation of an aftermarket radio. The plug and its connection to the OEM radio is an important part of the electrical system.

Thank you,
Thats good advice but what is an OEM and can I fix this problem?

[Willyum]

OEM is an accepted abreviation for Original Equipment installed by the Manufacturer. You're pretty much on your own when hooking up after market items.

[jlsumme]

You most likely have a dimmer switch wire not connected but I may be wrong.OEM is an original part....but just get a wire connection adapter at wal-mart or wherever.Scosche makes them for most makes.It will make it an eaiser install.This may help.

[zootzee]

Could there be a fuse just for this?

[shorod]

Originally Posted by jlsumme

You most likely have a dimmer switch wire not connected but I may be wrong.OEM is an original part....but just get a wire connection adapter at wal-mart or wherever.Scosche makes them for most makes.It will make it an eaiser install.This may help.

I have to agree, you probably managed to open the circuit for the backlighting, or somehow have a low resistance path in the dimmer circuit to ground, not low enough to blow the fuse, but low enough to suck the current for the clock and radio backlighting.

If you can read the clock in the daylight, it sounds like the backlighting is just not working. If I recall correctly, the backlighting for most aftermarket radios is controlled by either an orange wire or a blue wire with a white stripe. Check the wiring diagram for your aftermarket radio for which wire is for the back lighting. Try leaving that wire disconnected and see if you clock is readable.

Good luck,
-Rod
'98 Taurus SHO
'93 Dodge Stealth R/T twin turbo