Display in instrument cluster fading after 10 minutes or so

[88cs]

I edited this post heavily, the problem was I needed to replace my LCD display in my dash. And the speaker, that's likely the problem if your turn signals, seat belt buzzer, et don't make any noise. This thread is totally worth reading if you need to replace either/both of those. Determined, also known as Alex, posted a great how to below, and spent better than an hour and a half on the phone with me. And we've never met.

Here is the only part of this original post that mattered -

The display in the center of the instrument cluster comes on, I don't know what it's supposed to do yet, what it does now is say what station the radio is on, a line that now I don't remember what it said, something about 36mph, then the outside temp, the gear it's in, and the speed.

Works great. For about ten minutes, then degrades to where nothing is readable. Turn the car off/turn it back on yields no change, let the car sit a couple hours does. For about ten minutes. I knew this before I bought it, and in some ways I don't care, (none of my 911's tell me what gear I'm in, though the 84 is always telling me to shift:-), but it would be kind of nice to have everything working.

It's a 2005 V6 if that matters.

The second time I took the cluster out, (I forgot to hook the dash speaker up), I my eBay display didn't work, so I had put it together for another day, it took me 15 minutes to get it apart, maybe half an hour driving to driving. Al thanks to Alex and the below.

Thank you for looking.

[Determined]

This is a common problem, mine just went out and I ordered my replacement VDO for about $115.00 shipped.

I've pulled mine out several times before, it's easy once you know the steps, I'll post pictures and instructions once mine arrives.

Mine is a 2006, where are you located, if near to me I can help you.

Determined (Alex)

[88cs]

Hi Alex, that is really kind of you. I'm in Santa Barbara, kind of a long drive. I bought the display and also the dash speaker, and I watched a YouTube video:-)

I got stuck on unscrewing the retaining ring on the ignition, I think step 2, and then it got dark. It really didn't want to move, but I was just using a piece of plastic, I think there is a toll for getting retaining rings off. Back at it tomorrow

[Determined]

You don't need a special tool, although I'm certain one exist. I'll post a picture tomorrow for you, I used a fascia remover or small flat screw driver and positioned it on one of the slots at an angle in the direction for removal (counter clock wise). A gentle tap just enough to break it free and it comes off easy by hand. When reinstalling it should not be over tightened, it's plastic and can break. I first hand tighten then do the same for removal but gently, one tap is plenty, just make certain is lined up vertically before final tighten. You can email or call me if you need help, I'm going to remove mine in preparation for arrival of my new one.

[88cs]

Well, thank you again.

I was not hitting it very hard, but it looked like I was damaging the plastic and it wasn't budging.

[88cs]

I'm gong to end up costing myself some money here. The plastic ring is coming apart. at one point the whole thing moved, ignition switch and all, but that ring is not going to move by itself, and now it's breaking

[88cs]

Here is a picture of the ring. I have seen the ignition switch move about a quarter turn, not sure how but I saw it twice. The ring I'm working on isn't going anywhere.

There isn't another ring that isn't there, hopefully?

There are four little tabs that you can gain some purchase on, and I think I've about ruined them all.



I attached a picture of the tool that I thought would be wonderful for this.

[Determined]

Send me a pm with you number, looks like your turning the wrong ring.

[Determined]

First, you need to remove the cover entirely to expose the plastic locking ring to remove it. Your trying to do it with the cover on, see below what it should look like.



Then, remove the ring as I described, it is not tight at all.




Next, use your hand to unscrew it completely, see below:

[Determined]

Call me, I'll walk you through the rest..

[Determined]

This is nearly ready to come out:










The last picture is the two harness connectors, first to access it you remove four screws that secures the cluster. Then to remove the harness I lift the cluster out of the mount, the cable will move out about 4-inches.

To remove the connector, it has a swing arm "Pink" lever but first press the lock tab down then from the center of the swing arm lift to unlock.

[Determined]

Removed:





Next, removal of small screws (Qty: 6), then cover opens up.

[Determined]

Screws removed, I'm on the last one:




Next, there are eight locking tabs (8) that gently need to be lifted with a flat head screwdriver. Clearly, you cant do all at once so I usually start from one side and lift pull up the cluster slowly as I move over to the next tab to lift until there is enough clearance to remove the cover entirely:

[Determined]

Removing cover, I went from right to left but it does not matter, don't start from the center.





When all tabs are allowing cover to clear the locking features, lift cover carefully because there is a speaker wire connected to the board. It will need to be removed carefully by lifting upward. It's tight so I put one hand on the board to hold it down and lift up on the connector, see below:







My speaker works perfect so I didn't replace it, it's for the warning systems (buzzer) in the car like when you leave your lights on or any cluster alarm sounds.

[88cs]

Thanks for all that. I was posting now to say I figured out I was trying the wrong part. The instructions I have say remove the ring before the plastic cover.

The rubber cover will hide the damage I did:-) Thank you, I'll use this to press on.

[Determined]

Removing the LCD

[Determined]

LCD installed and secured, harness connected and a quick test in the car before closing it up is recommended.

Wow! works great!!!



Turned car off and back on, still working!!!

[Determined]

Next, I'll clean the lens covers from inside and out good before reinstalling. Then re-install the covers and tighten everything up. For tightening the white cluster cover, I found starting from the center four screws at opposing sides then opposite worked best to make certain the gauge screen had no bulges in it before closing it up. Then the corner screws and that's all!

Reinstall in car in reverse order of teardown and your done. I do recommend one more car trial before final assembly to be on the safe side.

[88cs]

So Alex, who I have never met or spoken to, posted all this and spent an hour and a half at least on the phone with me today. Incredibly generous with your time, thank you so very much.

[Determined]

Your very welcome, let me know if I can be of anymore help it's no problem. I enjoy helping out.