Flickering Radio lights??

[Mntnbkr]

So, 50,150 miles on the odometer (yes that 150 miles out of warranty) and the wife points out the radio green backlight has started to randomly flicker and flashes. Could have been pre-50K. Might get better/lessen or stop once the car is warm. In the interst of a simple fix...any ideas? Fuse, bulb, wire?? Has enyone experienced and fixed this? Prefer to not bother the dealer if basic.
Thanks!

 

[flcruising]

Not a fuse. If you are good with electronics, then you should remove the display and inspect for cold solder joints and fix them. I don't see a way to diagnose without removing it. I suspect it's the power lead as the LCD backlighting is probably LED.

BTW, 36k is the extent of the full warranty, not 50k. 60k is the powertrain.

 

[Mntnbkr]

On the 2006 the warranty was/is 50K or 4 years bumper to bumper (with the usual exceptions like AC, etc.) - whichever comes first - it's one of the BIG reasons we got a 2006 in 11/2006 instead of a 2007 that were already out - beter price and better warranty, as the warranty went DOWN after 2006 (the first US model year for the 5).

Any chance there is a bulb or LED back there that is failing? It acts like a filament contact issue. BTW, it is the radio button controls that are flickering, not the backlit display - that part's OK.

Does anyone have a DIY for removal of radio or dash or know where release points are to remove the faceplate, etc? Love those OEM custom fit head units...not.

Thanks.

 

[flcruising]

Sorry, didn't notice the model year car you had. And didn't realize the warranty difference.

You should be able to follow this procedure to get to the back of the faceplate. Unfortunately, you will have to remove the radio the get to it. Rest assured though, it's not that difficult to do.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...peaker-Installation-(-09-Sport)&daysprune=365

Here's the back of the '08+ faceplate, and it doesn't appear there are bulbs, so probably LEDs. But you say button controls, indicating more than 1. That seems like a power issue still, than a bulb issue. Guess you'll know once you get in there.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=155848&d=1252109508

 

[kleptomaniak]

did this flickering happen after a car wash by chance?

 

[Mntnbkr]

Nope. Maybe some rain (remnents of TS Nicole), but nothing noteable that the car hasn't seen before. And no, the sunroof was not open...

 

[AIMWO4]

Try turning the light-dimmer switch near the speed-o. It may be in a "bad" spot. Occasionally mine gets moved after I clean the car.

 

[Mntnbkr]

?? As in the other small stalk knob knob in the instrument cluster (not the trip reset)? My wife drives the 5 so I honestly am not aware of a dimmer 'switch'...never found/seen one, but in every car I've owned it has been far left on the dash by the door... Pic? Thanks

 

[flcruising]

Yes, there are two knobs. One for resetting the trip that you push, and one for the dash dimmer that you turn.