Dim Display In Dash Radio

[WindsorDave]

This is, I believe, the original Kenwood radio/CD that came with our 2001 Monaco Diplomat. It seems to work OK, marginal reception aside.

The problem is that the display is very dim. It is nearly impossible to see the display in daylight without cupping something around it to shield the display from the ambient light.

I've tried raising and lowering the dash lights with the headlights on but that does not have an effect on the radio. Headlights on or off makes no difference.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks,

[Gary RVRoamer]

I don't know if this applies to your model, but I have heard of some radios that simply get dimmer over time and the only solution is to replace the radio. I guess the display wears out. For $100 or so you can get a dynamite new radio/CD/DVD these days. Cheap electronics have made good radios relatively inexpensive.

[WindsorDave]

Yeah, I can relate to the radio.

Thanks, Gary. I imagine that is, in fact, what is going on with the radio. Thumping it does not seem to help - me either for that matter. You're right about a bunch of models out there to pick from. Thank goodness for the internet!

Best,

[WindsorDave]

Well, after procrastinating for nearly 3 months, I boxed up the Kenwood and sent it off for repair. The USPS managed to damage the unit to the extent that Kenwood is uncertain whether it can be repaired. I will have to pay $35 to know whether or not it is repairable and how much it will cost. But that's my problem and it cannot be solved here.

Can anyone tell me what model of radio, if any, that will fit in the dash of my 2001 Diplomat? I don't care about the features, apart from it having AM/FM and CD capability. I'm looking for something that will fit in the sleeve-bracket-receptacle-pigeonhole (hereinafter "thingy") in the dash and hopefully has the same receptacle for the multi-wire plug for power and speakers. The original Kenwood unit is model number KDC-115S.

The Kenwood repair center was not sure what models, if any, would be a compatible direct replacement.

Does that "thingy" into which the radio chassis fits conform to some standard dimension or profile that accepts various makes and models of radios?

Thanks,