Stock radio illumination not working

[cstarbard]

The stock radio in my 1996 Ranger doesn't illuminate. Radios works just fine. The screen that shows the station works and reads, but none of the other buttons are lighted. Is that normal? My brother's 1997 Ranger has the screen and the buttons all illuminate.

Any idea what my problem might be? Fuse is fine. Not a big deal but night driving I can't see any of the radio buttons without the dome light!

Thanks!!

 

[Mark_88]

Have you tried giving the radio a tap to see if the light comes back on? If that doesn't work you might want to find a schematic of the radio or if they have bulbs that can be replaced.

I remember replacing a stereo in a Ford because there was no bulb to replace...without soldering them in...but I found this video that might help you figure out if there is something you can fix yourself...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Was7RgkjyGE

I heard the guy say the stereos were $450 for a new one...but a salvage yard can probably sell you one for less...I used to buy them for $25 and just sold one to a guy that I know would have gotten $100 easily...but he was a Ranger owner so I gave him a good price...

Maybe someone else can elaborate on whether they can be fixed (of course they can if they are not fried) though...always someone on here that knows how to do it.

 

[cstarbard]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I gave it a few gentle knocks... nothing

Looking at this diagram,

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/1996_1997_Ranger_Radio_Wiring.pdf

it seems like wire 19 "Lt/Blu Red" might be what is supposed to control illumination of the radio,

Am I correct in thinking this? If so maybe I ought to probe that wire and see what voltage its getting

 

[cstarbard]

Update: fixed the issue

Testing with multimeter and key on, the blue and red wire labelled "illumination" in the diagram was only getting like 1.3 volts, I think my headlight switch is failing or is corroded internally or that I have a wiring problem

But you can use a jumper wire from the yellow and black wire on the same connector to get fused 12v power to the radio lights, it just means that the lights will always be on with the key on, instead of being controlled by the dimmer switch

 

[Mark_88]

Good work...sorry I missed your question but I got sidetracked...

It's been a while since I saw that harness so I couldn't have guessed what could have been going on there...but if you don't mind the lights being on and not dim I guess you did what was needed...I hate bright dash lights so I would be looking for that to be working...

 

[Curious Hound]

You're not having the "Doh! The dimmer is turned down." scenario. Are you?