Radio Unit Lighting

[SteveLS400]

Happy New Year to one and all.

For the last few days I have had an issue with the radio unit illumination. I have spent a good while searching using various keywords without success due to different models and symptoms.

It would appear that the radio unit is fully functional including the LCD readout. However the backlight to the display (with or without lights on, with or without daylight) does not work most of the time. The lack of illumination also affects all the buttons below the display. It does work some of the time. This does not sound like a failed or failing bulb as it affects the entire unit.

A little while ago, I noticed that one of the heated seat switch illumuination was not working. I haven't as yet replaced any bulb although I did have this part of the centre console out to source the bulb at the local spares shop. They couldn't help (I know Maplins will be able to) but replaced the console and now none of the illumination works to the switches incorporated in it. Note that the switch on light does still function. I can't imagine that the lack of illumination to this unit has any bearing on the radio........ or does it?

Thoughts gratefully received.

[sir john]

Steve.

I would guess that, as you have had the console out, that must be your starting point. Is it possible that, on replacing the console, one of the wire connectors was dislodged?

The fact that it works sometimes would suggest a loose connection.

Flip out the console and have a look would be my advice.

[SteveLS400]

Steve.

I would guess that, as you have had the console out, that must be your starting point. Is it possible that, on replacing the console, one of the wire connectors was dislodged?

The fact that it works sometimes would suggest a loose connection.

Flip out the console and have a look would be my advice.

Thanks for your response. It does sound like a loose connection, I'll have a look at it.

[steve2006]

Seeing as you have already done a search have you tried one of these?

[SteveLS400]

The only tool to have! Know what you mean; things soon sort themselves out when threatened with the big hammer.

Typically, when I went out earlier the illumination was fine; didn't have to wave the hammer around.

[SteveLS400]

It didn't seem to be a loose connection. And its been fine until today. It was working then after I reversed on the drive the stereo lighting was out. it was still lightish outside. I also could swear I saw the heater backlight flicker before I turned the engine off.

[whysub]

My radio backlight has not worked since I purchased my car, although the display is fine. The gearlever light has never worked neither.

i now notice that the aircon backlighting is dim for a while, then it comes up bright as it should. Now I have decided to keep the car, I want to get these irritants (the only ones I have with my car) fixed.

Anyone know anyone or a company that can repair these backlights?

[SteveLS400]

When I started this topic, I was hoping that someone had taken the unit apart and located exactly why and what do be able to determine if I could rectify the problem myself.

Its clearly not as simple as a blown bulb and the possibility of a loose connection is remote. It therefore points to some sort of capacitor and/or a dry joint. Anyone who has had out the main instrument cluster will know that these things are packed with circuit boards and trying to determine which one is at fault is devil of a job.

So I wondered if anyone had either done the job and be willing to share the info, or had some sort of exploded diagram indicating the various functions of the parts.

[LowriderUK]

When I started this topic, I was hoping that someone had taken the unit apart and located exactly why and what do be able to determine if I could rectify the problem myself.

Its clearly not as simple as a blown bulb and the possibility of a loose connection is remote. It therefore points to some sort of capacitor and/or a dry joint. Anyone who has had out the main instrument cluster will know that these things are packed with circuit boards and trying to determine which one is at fault is devil of a job.

So I wondered if anyone had either done the job and be willing to share the info, or had some sort of exploded diagram indicating the various functions of the parts.

I've the same problem, my radio backlight is very temperamental. I've found slapping the side of the center console 'sometimes' brings it back on.

I'm planning on replacing the head-unit with a double-din set-up anyway, so I'm not too bothered.