A further thought - are you sure that the text or numbers are supposed to be showing at that particular time? The BC9500 is designed to show only the functions/controls that are appropriate to the source that you are playing. Controls on the lower panels are arranged in three levels: 1. The light grey words etched on the surface. 2. Controls that only appear once you have made your choice from the first level. (eg 'Stop' only appears once you have started playing a Tape or CD) 3. Controls that only appear once you have made you choice from the second level.

Hi Guy, Thanks for the response. I use the tape so rarely I hadn't realised about the B and backwards L so thanks for that! Everything seems to work fine except the lights. I can change sources with a Beolink 1000 remote and do all the things it should - change radio stations, stop and start CDs, change tracks, alter bass, treble and balance and all that - but there is no visual indication of most of this stuff on the Beocenter. As far as I can see all the Level 2 and Level 3 lights are gone - see pic below while playing a CD. The controls work however, and I can change radio station or CD track directly on the BC by touching the bottom panel in approximately the right place. I did some investigation of my dodgy home-made MCL cable and found a short-circuit between the pink (DC) and yellow (signal left) wires, and I think this has been the cause of my problem. I'm hoping that I've blown a fuse only and that a simple fix will solve all my problems, for this week at least! Login to view image  

From looking at the circuit diagram, it looks like you have lost the 7v supply to display PCBs 42 (lower centre) and 43 (lower right), and possibly PCB 41 (lower left). 7V is also used for MCL power pins hence there's your link to the possibly cause (as you identified). You really need the service manual to investigate the power supply further. (Join as a silver or gold member to download from this site!)

Thanks very much for your help, Guy. That's a great place to start looking. Dave