Hi, my 97 Vanden Plas factory cassette radio dial back light does not come on with the rest of the instrument lighting when I turn on the headlights.

Radio dial read-out is fine; only the back light does not work. Other dash lights etc. are fine.

Is there a serviceable bulb if I pull out the radio?

Much appreciated-

 

97X300VP,

I have had the same problem in my 96VDP but after removing the radio (it didnt play sound) and opening it, there wasn't one that I could find. That being said I'm notoriously bad with those blasted displays so repairing them is not my cup of tea.

Mine will come on intermittently on random trips but I've not found a way to repair it.

 

The radio lights can be a real pig to replace. From memory, most of them are soldered on as opposed to the twist lock system implemented in the other console modules. I think I might have my disassembled radio lying around still, I'll see if I can find it for some pictures.

EDIT: Sorry, I think I threw it out. Can you verify; are there any other backlights not working on the radio (buttons etc.), or is it just the LCD screen backlighting?

 

Not helpful to your specific problem I know, but unless you are committed to this unit for aesthetic originality reasons then replace it with a more modern unit such as one from the Alpine range. They blend in well IMHO. Superior performance & reliability.
My Alpine unit is a few years old now, but performs excellently, controls the Jaguar CD unit in the boot and has been totally reliable. I also have a small wireless remote which is positioned just in front of the arm rest (on top of the sliding cover for the cigarette lighter). All the above benefits plus convenience!

 

just the led screen backlighting..... thanks

 

Well it's unlikely theres any failure aside from the little incandescent backlights have blow.

I've looked everywhere for a picture of the stereo disassembled, but I can't find one. And I cannot for the life of me remember whether the bulbs were soldered in or not. But even if they're not, expect plenty of aggravation getting to them. I remember no end of trouble getting the bezel off the stereo unit it'self, not to mention you'll have to disassemble the ski slope to get to the stereo in the first place. If you were going to go to that sort of trouble, I'd say it would be wiser to replace the whole stereo as suggested above.

 

Yes, soldered in. Yes, a PITA. Yes, tricky work to disassemble and reassemble the radio.

I've had a couple of these radios apart. One time went well, the other time...well...not so much. Not sure what I messed up but the radio is dead. It now resides in the "Defective Alpine Radio" box with a couple of others.

Here are some pics from another fellow that will give you a general idea of what's involved...although the specific bulb in question is not shown

Jos Raven PA0AMX

Cheers
DD