Audio Systems: Car Stereo 1998 Explorer RDS System, ford explorer xlt, factory radios

Question
This may not be your area but I saw others were on vacation.  We just purchased a 1998 Ford Explorer XLT with the RDS Stereo System.  The radio/stereo and cd work however the panel does not light up with the stations or the clock.  We thought that it was the fuse but now am thinking that it's more.  Would you have any ideas on what to look for? or What is wrong? Bought from a used car dealer, it was mentioned to them at signing and we drove off but didn't have the radio on.  Saw later that they had not fixed it and now they say it's a limited warranty and basically too bad.  Is is more trouble than it's worth?

Answer
You asked the correct person on advice for this problem.

Sadly.. Unless it is a bad fuse, the answer is yes.

RDS (or not), Ford factory radios over 4 years old with problems should just be replaced with aftermarket new ones.

So.. if you can live with the lack of illumination on the deck and it works ok otherwise, the resolve is up to you.

J mael