Radio Backlight Problem

[winty03]

Not to hijack this thread, but I have removed my grand prix radio light bulb and the bulb itself looks good. Would there by anything else to check or wrong? All other radio back lights work and the radio works fine, but the light on the back of the lcd display is not working. I have tried different OEM GM lights and also did the bulb replacement using radio shacks lights in the suggested article. Nothing seems to light the bulb anymore.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by winty03

Not to hijack this thread, but I have removed my grand prix radio light bulb and the bulb itself looks good. Would there by anything else to check or wrong? All other radio back lights work and the radio works fine, but the light on the back of the lcd display is not working. I have tried different OEM GM lights and also did the bulb replacement using radio shacks lights in the suggested article. Nothing seems to light the bulb anymore.

Welcome to AF.

Your post as been moved to the regular Grand Prix forum from Tips & Maintenance. Tips & Maintenance is not intended to address an issue you are having due to another problem or malfunction. The threads are left open for any discussion concerning the specific procedure posted and any constructive criticism.

[winty03]

Opsss sorry, noticed that after posting. A follow up to my post. Just to make clear, when I look at the radio's LCD when running I CAN faintly see the time and or radio station lit up on the display. Using a flashlight also can see the time and station. But the back light refuses to light up. Any suggestions?

[BNaylor]

Since the replacement lamps did not correct the issue then about all you can do is confirm by checking for the proper voltage at the lamp socket and for a good ground or low. If missing which it probably is due to the lamps not working then there is an internal issue such as a lamp driver module which means radio replacement or getting the unit repaired by shop that can repair Delco radios. Other possibility could be cold solder joints at the lamp socket or on the PCB so it may not hurt to re-solder those points.

[winty03]

I am going to stop by the dealer and get one more original light again and try it..might be bad bulb. But man the filiment inside the bulb looks intact and not colored at all. Hmmm I will post back when I try.

[gizzie316]

winty03 I have the same problem. If ya fix it please post what it was.

[richtazz]

you can test the bulb by using a couple of jumper wires hooked to the battery. No sense buying another bulb just to see if the bulb is the problem.

[winty03]

Good thought, so just run some small 16 gauge wire from contacts on bulb to car battery posts. I will try that tonight.

[winty03]

Well after 2 new oem bulbs and one soldered bulb still no light Is there anything else I can do? I am thinking not, probubly better off getting a aftermarket deck anyways.......... so my wife is able to hook up her ipod to her car stereo. I don't know.

[678898]

I have the same problum some times bumps or taping on it makes it work for a little while then it stops again. you can hook up an i pod to a stock deck pfyc cares the adapters you just plug them in.

[Brent S]

I experienced similar problems w/ this backlight. The bulb's filament looked fine, there was continuity within the bulb, but it did not light (even w/ 12 volts applied from external source!). Was really weird. I replaced it w/ a new bulb (GM 16208443), re-soldered the PCB, and it's been working fine.