So I'm new to the Crossfire world and am still learning the ins and out of them. I finally figured out the guage cluster dimmer and noe have the guages light up, but the radio LCD (Infinity CD) doesn't light up. Im probably going to replace it eventually but any insights as to why they don't light up?

 

Does the radio work?

 

Yes everything works as intended other than the radio backlight. Hell none of the speakers are blown. The LCD can be seen durring the day fainty.

 

There is an instrument panel illumination feed going to the factory unit, it is powered by the same power feed that backlights teh instrument panel.
In your case, Id say the backlight switching transistor has failed or the backlight itself has failed. Those old radios are 20 years old, many of us have tossed them, I tossed mine in 2015 for a JVC.

Just get over it and put a REAL radio in there, one that supports four channels. Then look in this sub forum for the thread on how to modify your amps' wiring to four channels and you willl have fader as well as balance control.

 

pizzaguy is an electronics guru with many decades of experience in the field. Mine was failing, back light was intermittent, radio itself was working randomly.
I took his and other's advice and replaced my original radio. I chose to go with a Kenwood Marine radio. The radio's silver trim is very close to the silver trim of the Crossfire. I bought mine from Crutchfield, and for an extra $25.00 they provided me with a plug and play adapter. (I spoke with a rep over the phone and told them my car's specs).
One thing I would add, if you have a base model Crossfire, there are no rear speakers or amplifier.
Here's a link to when I replaced mine. Hopefully this will be helpful.
Crossfire base model radio replacement