Radio Lights gone again....

[LMK9232]

So about 6 montha ago the red radio lights on my 04 Vibe went out on the left side of the display and after reading a few forum ideas, I did the quick fix... just tapped on the display and presto!...the lights were back on !!!!! But now they're out again and the magic tap didn't work this time. After looking at Vibe god's photos of the radio's disassembly, I think I can replace these bulbs. My big concern is the longevity of the replacement bulbs and which ones to use. Someone said the 74's from Advanced Auto burned out on him. Who out there has replaced the bulbs and are they still working? What kind and what watts are they? Also, if I go to plan B and just buy a new radio why do I have to take it to the dealer and pay $30.00 to have it programmed? Is there a way around this?

[Raven]

No reprogramming is necessary, that's BS. Don't buy another stock stereo they're total junk. Oh ya, you already know that.I've changed mine 3 times with used ones and they are all useless.

[joatmon]

I used the instructions here somewhere and put some "74" bulbs in mine, they are still fine after about 50K miles. Bulbs are cheaper than a new radio, unless you need an excuse to get a different one.st gen Vibe radios do not need to be programmed, so don't worry about that. However, there are other part number GM radios that look the same but come out of different model cars that do support the infobus, so if you buy a used radio, make sure it came from a Vibe or early Matrix, or you might need to get it programmed.

[LMK9232]

Thanks.. I called the dealer who said he sends all his used Vibes, with bad radios, to a certain Radio repair shop . The repair shop said if I brought the radio into them, they would fix it for $90.00. After looking at the great forum radio dismantling pictures, and talking to the radio man, I took it apart myself. Got down to soldering the new bulbs on but decided to let the radio man do it for $10.00 plus $9.75 for all 3 bulbs !! He said to be careful prying up the rectangular cover that houses the bulbs,not to damage the grid of brass strips "or you'll have more problems than just the lights". Also to clean that strip and the padded cover with rubbing alcohol using a Q-tip." Make sure the cover is back on and down tight." He said after using GM bulbs and others, he is using a Ford bulb 12V 25-1370 with great success. So... a happy ending for me. Thanks joatmon