factory radio & blank display

[IMenriched]

Ok my 86 ranger with standard 2 knobs was pretty ugly to listen to so I got a digital radio out of a JY.
Well the display will not light up...but it plays bunch better than the original.

I just can't see what radio station or the time is. plays OK

my question/s is this ...Is there just a bulb burnt out?? (having doubts, but had to ask)

is this easily fixable? Or should i try another JY special

 

[nidf88]

pop it open and find out.

 

[96RedRanger]

i had this problem and it was my dimmer switch.

 

[IMenriched]

i had this problem and it was my dimmer switch.

Nope not the dimmer.

 pop it open and find out.

how would one do that?? the face or unscrew the casing off the back?? ....what do I look for once there??

 

[TRX501RYAN]

might be the lights in side the radio, if there are any

 

[96RedRanger]

Not like the dimmer switch being turned down. The switch was bad and gave no power. Get a wiring diagram, pop the radio off and check the light power wire for power with a test light.

 

[RobbieD]

Ford factory radio? If it's holding memory (time and station presets) then it's probably the display itself. The digital readout displays on the old Ford head units do go out a lot, and they're not that easy to replace. In this case I'm afraid that it sounds like another j/y special might be your best bet.

But, if the memory is not holding, you may be just missing a constant power wire. I recall having to add the terminal and wire to the truck-side plug, and wiring it to supply constant power, when doing the exact same installation years ago. Check that angle out, and I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[IRKillroy]

mine doesn't have the backlight working either... I'd personally have my brother bust it open and replace the light (electrical bubba).... cheaper than buying a new radio.

 

[IMenriched]

Ford factory radio? If it's holding memory (time and station presets) then it's probably the display itself. The digital readout displays on the old Ford head units do go out a lot, and they're not that easy to replace. In this case I'm afraid that it sounds like another j/y special might be your best bet.

But, if the memory is not holding, you may be just missing a constant power wire. I recall having to add the terminal and wire to the truck-side plug, and wiring it to supply constant power, when doing the exact same installation years ago. Check that angle out, and I hope this helps. Good luck.

Holds memory fine....the cheep wally world radio that was in prior had good light display...so I'm pretty sure the power is there. I got a factory J/Y special for better fit I can set the presets...just can't see what what I'm presetting.


I feared that I might have to return for another J/Yspecial...this time bring a battery to test

 

[budro]

There is a simple bulb in there that you can cut out and replace. I believe they are called a wheat bulb back in the day. Any mini 12v bulb should work though.

Replaced these many a time as the radio works fine just no bulb to light up the display. Has nothing to do with the dimmer knob.