There may be an issue with the relay switch going to the radio lights. There may also be an issue with the fuse.
How do you unlock the radio of. 1997 Chevy venture
The Starter, Is Bad.
the radio fuse
there is a circuit board inside each tail light assy that is shorting out --- common problem on the venture. pretty soon the light will quit completely. around $35 for each side for the bulb sockets and board
My fuel gauge, odometer and radiator gauge isn't working and my radio says locked. How can I fix this?
Send it to an authorized repair facility, the radio must come apart and then you have to find the bulbs! There are not many facilities will perform the repair as the amount of labor involved usually exceeds the cost of a replacement radio.
Try turning the dimmer switch up. It's located under the headlight switch. Roll it towards the steering wheel to brighten the dash lights, and away to dim them. If this doesn't solve the problem then you have a blown fuse or a short somewhere. Let's hope it's the dimmer.
In our 96 Blazer S10, it was behind the radio. We had to remove the radio to get to it.
If a 1987 Chevy Suburban has lights and horn, but no ignition, gauges, radio, or interior lights it could be a ground wire problem. It is possible that there is a short somewhere. Also check the dome light for a possible water leak in the headliner.
There may be a problem with the relay on the ignition switch. There may also be a problem with the battery it may be have enough juice to run the light and radio but not enough to turn over the engine.
It is behind the radio
bolted to the floor behind the radio