[ClarkBar23]

I have an interesting issue with my 02 chevy s10 zr2. I had the dash bezel off for another repair. After putting it back together, I noticed as it got darker outside that there are a couple lights out on the radio. A couple of the presets, the tape deck buttons, and the seek buttons on the radio aren't lit (circled on attached image). The radio still functions properly, just the lights that illuminate the buttons listed previously aren't working. Dome override works no problem either. I never even touched the radio during my previous repair, which is leading me to believe it has something to do with the radio dimmer switch which connects to the backside of the bezel. Fuses look fine too upon visual inspection.

The dimmer switch functions properly as the dash lights get brighter and dimmer. And there are no loose wires in the harness that plugs into the dimmer switch. Could there be perhaps a bent pin in the dimmer switch to not make certain bulbs light? I've seen that other people have similar issues where all the dash/radio lights don't work. My case it that 85% of the lights work, but a couple don't work. Would replacing the dimmer switch fix this even though most of the lights are working? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[aitch]

IIRC, there are small bulbs for the buttons' illumination, which are soldered in place to the board. The dimmer switch controls all of the head unit lights, not a select few. It's most likely that several of the bulbs are burned out - it's not uncommon. Here's a link that addresses the repair for them.

 

[ClarkBar23]

Thank you for your note. I see what you're saying. I have seen this video; I don't know how to solder but could always try to learn by watching the video. I figured it would be either this or the dimmer switch. But what you are saying makes sense in which it controls all the dash/radio lighting.

Do you happen to know if they sell separately the circuit board with those light bulbs on there? Not sure if it's something I can easily swap out if it came to that.

 

[ClarkBar23]

What I am also wondering is what I could have done to make these bulbs burn out. They were working no problem previously. I had the dash bezel off for another repair and didn't even touch any of the wiring. That I'm still a bit hazy on. Any ideas?

 

[aitch]

What I am also wondering is what I could have done to make these bulbs burn out. They were working no problem previously. I had the dash bezel off for another repair and didn't even touch any of the wiring. That I'm still a bit hazy on. Any ideas?

Hard to say definitely - if it's a one off event, they probably just burned out (or a broken filament, or a poor solder joint that finally failed, or simply age). They are 20 year old bulbs, and bulbs don't last forever - it may simply be a coincidence. However, if the same bulbs repeatedly fail, then further investigation would be warranted. If you plan on replacing them, it might be best to go ahead and replace all of them while the head unit is apart.
I've got two out on my head unit, but it doesn't bother me enough (yet) to pull the unit to replace them. Everything else works fine, so I just ignore them being out.

 

[aitch]

Thank you for your note. I see what you're saying. I have seen this video; I don't know how to solder but could always try to learn by watching the video. I figured it would be either this or the dimmer switch. But what you are saying makes sense in which it controls all the dash/radio lighting.
Do you happen to know if they sell separately the circuit board with those light bulbs on there? Not sure if it's something I can easily swap out if it came to that.

I doubt you'll find a replacement board (separately) - it would likely be cheaper to get an identical refurbished head unit and replace the entire thing. There are several outfits online that deal with restoring older head units. And from what you have stated about your experience, another option might be to take the unit to an audio shop and get a quote to replace the bulbs.

 

[Dan_in_WA]

The bulbs I used on mine are 7219 ‘s. There’s 10 of them as I recall. There might be one DW07 bulb, it’s been awhile since I did mine.

Are there any ham radio operators in your extended friends and family? They would likely have the necessary skills. An experienced electronics hobbyist could probably do it as well, as well as any musician who works on their own tube amps.

 

[PeteD]

IIRC, there are small bulbs for the buttons' illumination, which are soldered in place to the board. The dimmer switch controls all of the head unit lights, not a select few. It's most likely that several of the bulbs are burned out - it's not uncommon. Here's a link that addresses the repair for them.

Problem solved !

 

[ScottyV1966]

I replaced the "Button bulbs" in my 2002 Silverado stock radio, got the bulbs from LMC Truck.
Rockauto might have them also. It really wasn't too hard, they are small though so a benchtop magnifier is a helpful tool!