2001 DTS Audio System

[terrylange]

I have the "higher end" factory bose stereo system in my recently purchased DTS, but even though the stereo works well, the screen that shows all the functions (clock, band, station, volume, etc.) remains dark. I talked with a service writer at the local dealership today, and his encouraging words were to the effect that they just swap these items out these days and don't even try to fix them. (Reminds me of the old days with the Allante when you had to swap out the whole instrument cluster for $1400.00 plus labor when the backlighting went south.) I checked and replaced any fuse related to "audio" under the back seat, but that didn't help. Does anyone know if these audio systems have additional fuses in the system itself? Also, how does one get close enough to the back of these radios to have a look? I took out the glove box, and all the kick plates below it, and the audio components are still encased in a plastic safe. I tried prying the cheap plastic moulding from around the front of the radio, but got a little nervous when it didn't budge to easily, so I quit before I broke something. Also talked to the dealer today about one third of my trunk mounted LED brakelight being out. He told me there are no bulbs for them, you replace the whole unit for $178.00. I guess I will wait till the other two thirds quits working.

[Logan]

It is the cheap plastic ring around the radio that needs to come off.....then you have access to the radio release. Newer GM vehicles have a much improved 'surface' mount look. About time....

Try checking for a Delco radio/speedometer shop in your area. Most larger cities have them. This is where the dealers send them off for repair. A dark display on a high end radio cannot be good news.

As for the brake light. The Deville uppers have a habit of falling apart at the ends. I have a few good upper 'newer' version Deville lamps available at a very good price.

[terrylange]

Thanks, Logan! There is a Delco repair shop nearby, I recall dealing with them several years ago, probably on the Allante. Do you know the procedure for getting that front face plate off so I can get the radio out of there? Also, what is your price on the trunk mounted tailight? I will add that to my list of things to get, once I find a spacesaver spare, jack, tire cover lid, and associated hardware. Is that brakelight easy to get at and replace?

[Logan]

Just rip the plastic ring off....it will come off.

Upper Deville lamp, tested, $60 shipped.

[terrylange]

Stopped by the local delco radio and speedometer repair shop today that services all the local dealerships. They don't even take the radios out anymore like they used to (no service bays), you have to have it removed and bring it to them. Surprisingly, same program as the dealership. Exchange only, with a one year warranty. For my radio, the exchange is over $450.00, in addition to sales tax. You give them your stereo over the counter, they pass you the replacement back, charge your card and you are on your way. Still sounds a little pricey, plus I still think you would have to take the car back to the dealership to get the new radio programmed to match the VIN # before it would work. Since that would have to happen anyway with a radio swap, may check the wrecking yards or e-bay. Logan, please give me your mailing address and I will have a check on the way for that upper brakelight for my DTS.

[Logan]

We recently moved. So the old website has the incorrect address:

The new address is:

Logan Diagnostic

209 Lighthouse Terrace

Franklin, TN 37064

The newer LED brake light site, www.ledfix.com has the correct address. The www.logandiagnostic.com site does not.