radio display on 99 GA GT

[mjtr21]

I was wondering if anyone knew why the display would not work on my 1999 GA GT. It doesnt even show the clock or station and when i turn on the headlights it doesn't light up the backround. But just yesterday it worked okay.

[tommy00gt1]

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

Very common problem.... the bulb is either on the verge of burning out, or it has a dirty contact and is turning on/off when you hit a bump....

Probably best to simply install a new bulb in the display. The only place I know where you can purchase those Delco factory bulbs is the website above. I never had to order from them, so I don't know anything more than that.....

Fairly easy to change the bulb too... That website used to have step-by-step pics there, but I didn't have time to log onto it tonight... Might want to check into it...

If you pull your radio, make certain you know your unlock code for the Delco Theftlock; if it is coded, that is..... Once you remove the 12v power source, and if Theftlock is entered and on, the radio will be inoperable until the proper unlock code is entered vis the radio pushbuttons.
If you don't have Theftlock.... no sweat; you're all set..

If you're unsure whether Theftlock is activated, if the little red LED light flashes when you park the car & remove the key... then that flashing LED indicates that Theftlock is indeed on, and you'll need the code.

One of General Motors security features !!

[xeroinfinity]

the GM/AC Delco part for that bulb is #16208443

Any dealer should carry them in their parts department for relativly cheap, under $10.

And As Tommy said if the theft deterant is on(red light flashes when car is off) then disable it and get a code or you will have a LOC radio.

I find the whole thing as who would want on of these POS stereo's anyway

[tommy00gt1]

Hi xero... I never thought of a dealership having it, lol.. I think I'm getting the infamous "pre-senior citizen memory problems", LOL !!

I forgot to mention too... My neighbor had that problem with the bulb coming on & off at random times.. His turned out to be a good bulb, but the little metal contacts were dirty / dusty. He unscrewed / re-screwed in the bulb, and all was well after that.

I also looked at the website link above; haven't browsed that for ages.. Anyways, they still do have the pics of how to change the bulbs... handy to know for future reference.

Take care buddy.. Tommy

[mjtr21]

alright thanks guys for the replies.

[mjtr21]

well my brother had the car for the week and now the display doesn't come on at all. i am going to see how to take apart dash around radio. i think all i have to do is use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off right? then just unswrew bolts to free radio from dash? idk ill try it.

[tommy00gt1]

That's correct... a flathead screwdriver to start it, then it will just pull off. Then you'll find two or three bolts holding the radio in.... just remove those. then you'll be able to slide out the radio enough where you can reach in and unplug the wire harness connectors. One of those gave me a hard time, but I can't recall which one it was.

I think there is instructions on that website I listed above, on how to remove the radio faceplate to get access to the bulb. I haven't done that in quite some times, but I believe it was easy..... just don't snap off and break those little black plastic tabs that hold the faceplate on..

I think maybe Xero might have great instructions somewhere; hopefully he will read this and offer some more help... I remember somebody posting a photo or two, but I am not 100% positive who it was.... I'm reaching middle ages here, lol... Memory starts to go !!!!!

[mjtr21]

okay i took radio out (theftlock already disabled) and took off face plate. i seen the bulb but it was under a small round white housing. i couldn't get to it though. My question is: does it pop out or screw out? To me it looks like it popss out but not sure. And it this the most possible reason for display not working? Thanks.

[tommy00gt1]

Hmmm.... Haven't done this is a long time, but I think the bulb just unscrews from the underside of it.... I believe you use a small-tip screwdriver and unscrew it, then lift it out.

[xeroinfinity]

Yes the bulb screws out, but make sure the power is disconnected before you touch the bulb .

Heres a pic of the bulb.

[mjtr21]

alright i know how to do it now. but i have to wait until tomorrow or tuesday for the dealership to be open. thanks for all yur help. now the other light i have to do it the dash light but i will post other thread. thanks again