Car Stereos: Monsoon radio/CD player display, gm dealer, replacement bulbs

Question
I just purchased a 2002 Firebird with Monsoon radio/CD with
equalizer.  The display is burned out. Can it be easily repaired or should I just replace it. The radio and CD player work.

Answer
Hi Gwynne,

This is a surprisingly common problem with all types of Pontiac factory head units.

Take a look at this web site:

http://www.corvetteradios.com/corvetteradios_013.htm

They sell replacement bulbs for GM radio displays, and include illustrated instructions for installation.  If you have a radio similar to the one at the top of the page, the job looks relatively simple.  

I'd suggest ordering the bulb, and either installing it yourself using the instructions, or taking it to a local electronics shop for the job.  Either way, the cost should be quite a bit less than purchasing a replacement head unit.

Removing the radio from the dash is extremely easy:  the small panel that surrounds your radio and climate control will pull right off.  After that, you just have to remove the screws that hold the CD player in place, and you'll be able to pull it out of the dash.

One thing to be aware of:  your factory radio is equipped with a system called Theftlock.  If the Theftlock has been activated, then if you unplug the radio, you'll have to enter a code to make it work again when you replace it.  If the Theftlock light is blinking, and you don't know the code (or have it with your owners' documents) then  a GM dealer may need to help you get the radio working again after it's been removed and replaced.  However, if this is the case, you'd run into the same problem next time your car's battery was disconnected.  Theftlock is turned off by default, so if the light isn't blinking, you probably don't need to worry.

Hope this helps!

Brian