Car Stereos: Ford Escape Radio display, oem replacements, lighting works

Question
The display on the "MACH audio system with AM/FM stereo/cassette/single CD" in a 2001 Ford Escape has quit working.  I have checked all fuses that apply to the radio and all are OK.  All other dash lighting works.  Is this a fixable problem or will the radio have to be replaced as I was told by one Ford dealer?  If fixable, will the cost be much less than replacement?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Mike,

From what I can tell, this appears to be a common problem with some types of Ford radios.  There are several repair shops online who advertise a repair service if you ship the radio to them.  The repair cost falls in about the $75-100 range; of course, you'd also have to factor in the cost of shipping.  Here are a couple sites I found that offer this service:

http://www.videoservicestop.com/fordradiorepairs/

http://www.sound-repair.com/index.php/rates/

If you're willing to give up your cassette player, you can purchase and install an after-market CD player for about $150-$200, including the necessary adapter parts.  Installing a new head unit in this vehicle is a fairly easy job, given the right tools and parts.

If you want to stick with a factory radio, you can often find OEM replacements for sale on eBay.  Of course, you'd take your chances on the radio's condition.

The most expensive option, by far, would be to purchase a replacement from a dealer.

Hope this helps!

Brian