Thank you for the responses and info. Looks like this 2004 XF is an early one, prod date 05/03, VIN # is under 1200, so I guess a newer model radio is the only fix for the hard to read display.

Regarding turning off the PTY, looks like I'm still in the dark there. Can't find a toggle function on the radio or in the owner's manual, , onwer's manual describes the "multifunction PT button", which is readily apparent when you are in OPT mode. When you press the multifunction button that corresponds to the PT light, nothing happens, when you press it again as if to turn off, nothing happens, when you press/turn the tuning **** in OPT mode, the PT function does not turn off. Owner's manual doesn't in fact say how to de-activate PTY, so you're left guessing/experimenting/forum posting.