New owner with stupid questions

[KurtL]

Are the back lights in the limited models radio and ac units a know issue? Im having numerous lighting issues...

None of the lights in my radio work, no biggie I'm gonna replace that anyway.

It seemed that the only bulb in the ac unit working was the temp dial light. I replaced all the bulbs with some led bulbs thinking the bulbs had just gone out. Well the only bulb on is still just the temp knob. There is a faint glow from the screen, not sure if that's one of the 2 larger led bulbs working or light bleed from the one knob.

The lights behind the rear window and ect switches wernt working either. Replaced them with LEDs and still nothing...

Help me! Do I have a blown fuse somewhere maybe?

 

[jonwilly2]

the LEDs are directional if they dont work try turning them around. If you had a blown fuse then the gauge lights wouldnt light up. all the lights run on the same little dimmer switch by the searing wheel. If they still dont light up use a volt meter. If there isnt any power or much at all then you might have a busted wire hidden in the dash. As for the radio mine went out too.

 

[KurtL]

That's what it was. I feel like a schmuck considering I'm the electrical engineering manager at an LED lighting company. I made the assumption that the LED bulbs were designed to work in either direction as thats how I would have designed it...

The display still seems a bit dim though...

 

[T4R_Finally]

I had to replace bulbs in the ac unit and console shifter display after buying mine, but i wasnt concerned about it being an issue given that they were 12 years old. The ash try bulb was out too but i didnt even bother with that one. Given the history of longevity these vehicles have, i will swap out a bulb or two when needed in exchange.

 

[Nervo19]

The burnt out radio lights are a common issue and there is no replacing them. I suppose an electrical engineer might be able to though. I discovered that even a cheap aftermarket stereo sounds better than the stock head unit. It's very easy to get into the dash:

How To Install A Head Unit And Speakers Step By Step - YouTube

 

[Brian757]

the LEDs are directional if they dont work try turning them around. If you had a blown fuse then the gauge lights wouldnt light up. all the lights run on the same little dimmer switch by the searing wheel. If they still dont light up use a volt meter. If there isnt any power or much at all then you might have a busted wire hidden in the dash. As for the radio mine went out too.

LEDs are directional? I am assuming that he means that LEDs are polarized and require positive and negative to meet each other directly. And he would be right. If your LEDs aren't powering, yank them out and flip 'em. If lack of light persists, pull out your multi-meter and ensure your receiving 12 volts to the wiring harness. If not, lead it back to the engine bay. Make sure fuses are intact, and trace it throughout the vehicle. And theres no such thing as a stupid question.

 

[Duhockey]

LEDs are directional? I am assuming that he means that LEDs are polarized and require positive and negative to meet each other directly. And he would be right. If your LEDs aren't powering, yank them out and flip 'em. If lack of light persists, pull out your multi-meter and ensure your receiving 12 volts to the wiring harness. If not, lead it back to the engine bay. Make sure fuses are intact, and trace it throughout the vehicle. And theres no such thing as a stupid question.

good advice, and hes right, there are no stupid questions. but there have been some pretty stupid answers here, LOL

but Brians got you covered! :biggrin2: