Radio display not working? Read this

[ZZTOPT]

I've posted this before, but it bears repeating. If you've ever had the radio display flash on and off, horn not work, or door chime not work, only to have each issue work after readjusting the steering wheel, this fix will cure them all.
The issue stems from a loss of ground continuity between the movable part of the steering column and the stationary frame of the dashboard. The factory setup relies on a metal rivet that eventually becomes corroded or rusted, thus losing the ground continuity.
If a wire jumper is installed using a pipe clamp on the lower part of the steering column, attaching the wire to that, and then attaching the other end of the wire via a crimp-on wire connector to any stationary part of the frame, the continuity will be restored, thus curing all 3 issues.
The attachment shows my repair.

[chuzz]

Mine was doing that and I just put a zip tie around the connector that comes from the radio to the steering column. Small one on the left. That solved my problem.

[ZZTOPT]

Glad that worked for you, but if your radio display flashes again, remember me!

[Handy_Cruiser]

Originally Posted by ZZTOPT

I've posted this before, but it bears repeating. If you've ever had the radio display flash on and off, horn not work, or door chime not work, only to have each issue work after readjusting the steering wheel, this fix will cure them all.
The issue stems from a loss of ground continuity between the movable part of the steering column and the stationary frame of the dashboard. The factory setup relies on a metal rivet that eventually becomes corroded or rusted, thus losing the ground continuity.
If a wire jumper is installed using a pipe clamp on the lower part of the steering column, attaching the wire to that, and the attaching the other end of the wire via a crimp-on wire connector to any stationary part of the frame, the continuity will be restored, thus curing all 3 issues.

Great tip! We see lots of folks on this forum with these issues.

Also, the same is true for the trunk lid on the convertible. It sometimes looses ground and the third brake light, power trunk lock and trunk light quit working.

[GotToGo]

I've noticed that radio display won't come on if the key isn't in all the way.

[rcktpwrd]

this is how I fixed mine several years ago:




The horn still doesn't work all the time, but the radio display hasn't turned off since and the key in the ignition chime works again.

see post #9 here: Horn and Radio Screen Intermittent?

[GtPt05]

I had the same issue when my ignition switch went bad... New ignition switch, problem solved... I had other issues related to the switch... Best way to figure it out is... if the display goes out, push in gently on the key. If that fixes it, it's the ignition. If moving the column fixes it, it's the problem as described above.

[Stretch]

BIG thanks to ZZTOPT for the re-post on the ground wire for the steering column. I have spent hours chasing this issue and your fix was perfect. However, I was too lazy to go to the hardware store to get a pipe clamp, so I used a 1-3/4" radiator hose clamp on mine. It was my radio that kept blinking out. Finally caught on when at McDonald I did a hard right turn and the radio died. Thanks again.

[Stretch]

BIG thanks to ZZTOPT for the re-post on the ground wire for the steering column. I have spent hours chasing this issue and your fix was perfect. However, I was too lazy to go to the hardware store to get a pipe clamp, so I used a 1-3/4" radiator hose clamp on mine. It was my radio that kept blinking out. Finally caught on when at McDonald I did a hard right turn and the radio died. Thanks again.

[Dingo]

could having a bad ignition also kill the battery? some times starting the car i would have to tap the key to get the radio to work. sometimes shutting off the car the radio stays on. thinking that happened last night since the battery is now dead