Happy New Year everyone! My 03 Ranger basic AM/FM RADIO backlight has gone out and when the the lights are turned on at night that portion of the center console (radio) is dark. Any pointers on how to get to it to replace it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You 😊

 

This is just one video, there are lots, this one is just as good as any others.

 

Thank You Jeff R 1, for the links to the videos this helps. Hopefully it will be easy to see how to replace the bulb for it

 

Honestly, it's probably not even worth it. Taking the radio apart may disturb the circuit board and cause the radio to malfunction. If you're not well versed in electronics, I would just purchase a new radio. They can be had for around $60 for a cheap quality unit.

 

Thanks Fordzilla80 for the tip, it would probably be an improvement over the stock 2003 Radio as it is also beginning to change volume up or down (it has its own mind) whenever I go over a pump or it feels like it.

 

+1 on replacing it with an aftermarket head unit. Without a question.

Don't forget to buy the wiring harness and mounting kit that fits your make/model.

 

My stock 6-disc radio stopped ejecting my CD's, so I had to take the radio apart to get them out. Put it back together and figured I could just use the AM/FM function, but then the whole unit would just randomly shut off. I put an aftermarket head unit in and never looked back. For some reason the radios from around that time were prone to issues. The ones that came in the 2004 and newer trucks don't seem to have that many issues.

 

I am leaning towards getting an aftermarket with proper wiring hook up as I don't want to splice any of the factory harness. + this would add some added conveniences such as a blue tooth for hands free mobile phone calling. I was checking some out on Crutchfield's site and I can get one with lots of features for around $70

 

I change out my the light bulb on my 2000 Sport XLT Ranger radio as I couldn't stand the dead display when turning on the lights.
Was a bit scary not having done it before and trying to get a hold of the correct sized light bulb. The bulb I got just barely fit being a bit oversized.