Fixing Dying Backlight On Pioneer Head Unit

[2rismo]

My mechanic nearly shot me in the face when I rocked up at the workshop today with my freshly reinstalled head unit and I got the "It's a f**king race car" lecture....again....but I really can't abide the droning bullshit from the exhaust and need tunes when I'm driving.

So the thing works perfectly except that the display is barely visible. It's there and if I look very closely I can make out all of the details on the screen but the entire display is very dull. It's like the backlight is dying and it shits me.

The head unit is probably a ten year old model (DEH-P7200) but I like it, I don't have the funds to justify a new one and would like to know how to fix it if at all possible.

This is it:

[W0rp3D]

Is it possible that you have hooked upped the illumination wire to a 12v power source, if thats the case the screen will always be dull because it is assuming you have the head lights on.

[Chris Rogers]

is that a OEL one or something else. they have LEDs on them so there is a good chance they are gone.

it is fixable at a minor cost. know a good electronics shop down your way?

Edited October 28, 2008 by Chris Rogers

[2rismo]

I know nothing about car audio.

Here it is in a dark garage.

[Beer Baron]

personally I would think hard about replacing it. a basic sony/pioneer/whatever these days can be had for about $100, will plug straight in, and will play MP3s off CD too. think of all the time and fuel spent runing around to get that one fixed, plus the repair bill. then think about $100 straight up, brand new head unit. I reckon it's the smart way to go.

[2rismo]

personally I would think hard about replacing it. a basic sony/pioneer/whatever these days can be had for about $100, will plug straight in, and will play MP3s off CD too. think of all the time and fuel spent runing around to get that one fixed, plus the repair bill. then think about $100 straight up, brand new head unit. I reckon it's the smart way to go.

I'm prepared for that but as I know SFA about car audio shenanigans combined with the fact that there's always a chance that this is a known issue/cheap/easy fix, I thought I'd piss and moan about it here.

I like this head unit (mainly cos I know how to use the thing) and I'd like to get it working.

[2rismo]

P.S.

LOL @ The climate control thinking it can get my stinking-hot shitbox anywhere near 18degC with the aircon gear sitting in a box next to the car in the garage.

[Beer Baron]

I know you're attached to it. but trust me. for the same or possibly less than repairing that one you'll get a nice new one that plays MP3 too. this is your friend:

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/car-sound/mp3-cd-tuners/

[2rismo]

True enough. The idea is that I either tinker with it myself and fix it or give it to my electronically minded mate to fix for zero dollars. Otherwise it will be sacked. Or I'll just persevere with it.