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Old 07-19-2016, 04:06 PM   #1
particlewave
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ft. Leonard Wood
Posts: 6,163
Garage
Replacing Bad Gauge Cluster LCD (pre 2000)

Clock/oil gauge LCD (right) : Replacement LCD display w/ cable for Porsche 991 996 Instrument Cluster (right). | eBay

Speedometer LCD (middle) : Replacement Middle LCD display w/ cable for Porsche 991 996 Instrument Cluster. | eBay

Odometer LCD (left) : Replacement LCD display w/ cable for Porsche 991 996 Instrument Cluster (left). | eBay


You'll need one of these and some guts to work with the the thermal bond.

30W Soldering Iron w/ T-Tip Teflon for BMW Mercedes Benz LCD Pixel Ribbon Repair | eBay

(pic below)


Start by opening up your cluster. There are instructions online for doing this (pelican parts), so I won't go through those details.

Next, you'll need to carefully remove the metal frames covering each LCD (you need to remove all three). Carefully wrapped each LCD with a napkin or soft tissue to protect it and tape it off in a safe position.

Remove the white LCD frame. It is secured by two Torx screws and it also clips into the PCB.

Remove the offending LCD by pulling the ribbon off of the PCB. You will be left with a mess of old adhesive still attached to the PCB. This needs to be removed. It is crucial that you not use any chemicals or heavy tools to do this as you can easily damage the carbon coating on the connector.

I carefully scraped the remaining adhesive from the PCB using the tip of an X-Acto knife (while viewing through my jeweler's scope). Do not use any tools or chemicals on the carbon pads.

After 90% of the old adhesive is removed, you are ready to install the new LCD. Carefully align the new ribbon onto the pads and use a piece of tape to hold it in place (don't tape over the pad/adhesive portion).

Use a piece of scrap wood to support the rear of the PCB and apply approximately 10 to 15 pounds of pressure on the ribbon using the 30 watt soldering iron with Teflon T-tip attachment for a count of 10 seconds.

If you have good adhesion, you'll be able to see the waves in the new ribbon/adhesive from the carbon pads where it is attached to the PCB.
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Last edited by particlewave; 11-23-2018 at 11:42 AM.
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