Thread: 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE radio/clock display

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  1. #1 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE radio/clock display 
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    Hi all- The LED went out on the radio/clock on this car. Does anybody know how to fix this? Can't see the clock or the station I am listening to. Does the dash need to come out?
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  2. #2 Re: 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE radio/clock display 
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    I have a '98 with a Delco radio. For me, this was an easy fix.

    You have to take out the radio (which requires removing the dash - it unscrews and pops off - it's a lot easier than it first seems). The LCD is backlit with a standard dash type incandescent light bulb that is easy to replace once you remove the radio and take it apart. In fact, I think they're the same type of bulb for the remainder of the dash lights (low coolant, ABS et cetera - you can confirm when you take it apart).

    There are also other lights soldered to the PCB of the radio. These can also go out (as they did on mine). If you're decent with a soldering gun and have a radio shack nearby, these are also easily fixed.
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  3. #3 Re: 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE radio/clock display 
    SE Level Member jmflores1970's Avatar
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    Thanks, SJAndrew! With your post, I was able to find this video on YouTube to see how to replace the light bulb. I did that last night and it works now. It doesn't seem as bright as the original, but I'll fnd out in a bit when I drive to work today. At first, I inserted the faceplate wrong and when I reconnected the radio, smoke came out of the radio and it smelled like melting plastic. I disconnected it right away. I reseated the faceplate and reconnected the radio. It still works fine, whew! If the clock is too dim for Texas' blinding Summer sun, I'll have to order the actual replacement from GM unless I can find it at an auto store. I went with the Radio Shack bulb used in the video for now. The radio in this video is exactly like the one in my car.

    Meant to post an update a while back. So, I ordered the AC Delco replacement light bulb which is a perfect fit and is identical to the original. Unfortunately, it cost me just under $20 ($5 light bulb + $12 shipping) and only lasted a few days ...less than a week. It was not as bright as the original was when I first bought the car. On day 2, it started fading even more, then by day 3 or 4 it faded completely and my radio needs a replacement light bulb again. I should've left well enough alone with the $2 light bulbs from Radio Shack. So, it's off to Radio Shack I go again.
    Last edited by jmflores1970; 10-31-2011 at 12:47 PM. Reason: typo
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  4. #4 Re: 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix SE radio/clock display 
    SE Level Member Freimuth's Avatar
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    New to me ---- 1999 Grand Prix GTP 216K miles and counting
    SOLD----1997 Grand Prix SE 3.8 -- 1K miles from the 200k club.
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