QuestionTom...
It's Nov 17th and I want to briefly share with you the solution to the back-lit LCD panel problem I described below...
First, the knobs were removed by looping a strong nylon thread behind the knob (in between the back of the knob and the front of the radio's case)...This thread is used by upholstery folks to sew seat cushions and pillows for chairs, sofas, etc...Grasping the thread and winding it around my fingers tightened into a fist, I was able to pull the knobs from their shafts without harming their appearance (with pliers or vicegrips, etc)...Worked like a charm...
Second, I was then able to pull forward the front panel (of the radio) and attached circuit board...With its connecting ribbon and two additional wires long enough, I then could tip it at an angle to reveal the back-lighting bulb housed within a white plastic, rectangular horn-shaped housing sitting directly behind the LCD panel...The bulb was tested and proved to be blown...A trip to local auto parts store found a replacement (no. 74 instrument panel lamp)...
Replacement of the bulb and installation of the radio took about 25 minutes and now the LCD panel is illuminated once again.
Looking back at the problem and its solution, it turned out to be almost a "piece of cake".
Thanks for your willingness to help in the beginning stages.
Bruce Wright
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Followup To
Question -
Alright, Tom...I'll try to get the photos as you request...I'm assuming .jpg files can be attached to my correspondence, although I don't see the option on the page provided by allexperts.com to type this text message...I have never had a radio or any other electronic equipment where the knobs would not come off their shafts, so this one is a first...I may try heating them somewhat gently with a hair dryer to see if I can break the "seal" (if that's what has developed over the years) between the shafts and the knobs...Thanks again...Bruce
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Followup To
Question -
Tom...
Thank you for your reply...This is the number taken from the sticker label afixed to the chassis: FO9F-19B131-BA ...I hope this is what you need to help me...Again, thank you.
Bruce
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Followup To
Question -
The OEM AM/FM radio in my 1991 Ford Aerostar has an LCD for station frequency and clock display...The lamp that illuminates this display has gone out...The backlighting to the control knobs is fine...I have removed the radio and have removed the two screws that hold the black plastic faceplate to the chassis...However, to fully remove the faceplate to gain access to the burned out lamp on the printed circuit board I need to remove the control knobs...I cannot seem to pull off the rotary control knobs from their control shafts...Are these glued on to thier shafts?...There are no set screws on these knobs...I've tried to pull each of them as strongly as I can between thumb and fingers but none of them will come loose...Any suggestions how to get to the board so I can replace the lamp?..Thank you.
Answer -
Bruce,
Please give me the complete of your Ford stereo and I will look over the service data and let you know about the knobs and how to change the lamp.
TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net
Answer -
Bruce,
Most of the stereos from 1986 and up used a small light bulb to back light the display. I don't have a service manual for the that you gave me, however if you can send me a photo of the stereo with the top cover off and a photo of the front panel I can match your stereo up to a similar .
TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net
Answer -
Bruce,
You can send any photos to my direct Email address.
TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net
AnswerBruce,
I use a special set of pliers with rubber inserts that grip knobs securely without marring the knobs. I should have informed you that on many of these stereos of the year that you have, removing the top cover will expose the light shroud at which the lamp socket will twist out of it. A small 12 volt wedge type lamp(#74)works great. I once purchased these lamps from a Ford dealer, but they wanted $6-$7 apiece for them. I found a source for the replacement lamps for 35 cents each!
TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
