Chosen Solution

The back light of the LCD display has burned-out. Otherwise the radio works fine.

  1. How do I remove the radio without marking-up the console?
  2. Where can I find a replacement back light?
  3. Do I have to take the car to a GM dealer to power-up the fixed radio?

There is a forum for Pontiac Grand Ams (www.gaownersclub.com/forum) which may have some helpful how-to articles. As for replacing the back light, you might be able to find an entire factory radio replacement on Ebay or at a site like sonicelectronix.com that sells factory stereos. It’s probably not cost or time efficient to try to just replace the back light. A new after-market stereo might also be cheaper.

Take the radio out. Follow a Repair guide, you can get one at a auto parts store. Once Radio is out take the face plate off. Then remove the screws that hold the circuit board on. Then you will need to desolder the bulbs they will be small 3mm bulbs looking like LED’s. You will need to get 12 Volt to replace them with. I got mine at a electronics supply shop. You ant to get something that looks kinda like this. 12V 35mA Micro Lamp