Mph digital display problem

dmcummins · 08-06-2014, 04:14 PM

The best I can explain is it looks like a big snowflake is covering the left number on the digital mph display. Any ideas on what is wrong? How do I fix?

Thanks

dmcummins · 08-06-2014, 04:26 PM

A pic.

steveng1993 · 08-06-2014, 05:19 PM

Looks like the LCD is cracked right there.

Mike Thomas · 08-09-2014, 10:46 AM

That's a real bummer. I hope it's easy to fix, because the analog speedo on these things is useless. Best of luck!

dmcummins · 08-10-2014, 07:32 AM

I looked on ebay for a used gauge cluster. Only problem is it looks like I need one from a 2000 S with tip. The ones I saw for sale were good for 2001-4 or so.

If its a one year only cluster I will probably just have to live with it. I don't think I could find one. I will probably call one of the used parts places and see what they have. No way I'm paying for a new one from Porsche, just too expensive.

dmcummins · 08-10-2014, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveng1993

Looks like the LCD is cracked right there.

It happened when I was pulling it behind a Uhaul on a auto transport. I hauled it from St. Louis to Southwest Florida. I may have hit a bump along the way.

thom4782 · thom4782's Garage

If nobody suggests a DIY way to repair, you might give Palo Alto Speedometer a call and see what they have to say. They are Palo Alto, CA.

stealthn · 08-16-2014, 02:47 PM

What is this "miles per hour" you speak of

KevinH1990 · 08-17-2014, 10:47 AM

I had the same issue about 2 years ago. At that time I did extensive research and was unable to find anyone who could repair the damaged lcd including Palo Alto speedometer. You can read about my efforts here: Carrera Gauge Swap - 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster Owners and Others

My work was associated with an effort to swap a Carrera gauge cluster into my Boxster. I was eventually able to re-program the undamaged circuit board from my Boxster so that it could support the Carrera gauges. Send me a PM with your e-mail address if you want the programming instructions. You could easily reprogram the circuit board from a Boxster or Carrera that someone is parting out and make it work in your car. Just make sure you obtain a cluster from the correct year car. You can check Wayne's instructions here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - for guidance on which clusters will fit your car.

Good luck.

dmcummins · 08-19-2014, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

I had the same issue about 2 years ago. At that time I did extensive research and was unable to find anyone who could repair the damaged lcd including Palo Alto speedometer. You can read about my efforts here: Carrera Gauge Swap - 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster Owners and Others

My work was associated with an effort to swap a Carrera gauge cluster into my Boxster. I was eventually able to re-program the undamaged circuit board from my Boxster so that it could support the Carrera gauges. Send me a PM with your e-mail address if you want the programming instructions. You could easily reprogram the circuit board from a Boxster or Carrera that someone is parting out and make it work in your car. Just make sure you obtain a cluster from the correct year car. You can check Wayne's instructions here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster 996 Gauge Cluster Upgrade - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - for guidance on which clusters will fit your car.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info, I think for now I'm just going to live with it. Since we have just moved here the wife has gone nuts with getting the house in shape.

mikefocke · 08-19-2014, 03:53 PM

There are places which specialize in used Porsche parts.

List here.

dmcummins · 08-20-2014, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefocke

There are places which specialize in used Porsche parts.

List here.

Thanks, my problem is I have a 2000 S with tip. It appears the direct replacement is a one year item and I'm not sure how many 2000 S with tip are even out there. The 996 option helps, but might be more of a hassle.

But I'll give a few of the salvage yards a call, maybe I'll get lucky.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

KevinH1990 · 08-20-2014, 03:35 PM

You will need another circuit board from a tiptronic car, but if you reprogram the board you can re-use your gauge faces and trim rings. (The S gauges have silver trim rings and the analog speedometer goes to a higher level.) According to Wayne's technical article, circuit boards from 1997-2000 tiptronic Boxsters should work in your car.

In addition to the salvage yards Mike listed, the various Porsche web sites usually have ads from forum members for cars that they are parting out. Check here, Renntech, Pedro's Board and the 986forum for a while and you should find something at a good price.

Obviously the flaw on your speedometer is something you can live with, but its right in front of you all the time when you are driving. To me, it would be like talking to someone with a piece of spinach in their teeth.

Good luck.