Maybe easy fix for fading LCD on instrument panel!

**docurley** · 09-18-2007, 07:18 AM

This was posted on another forum so I thought I would share

Quote:

""Don’t let the Audi garages fool you; the whole cluster does not need changing. Mine did exactly the same thing, worse on hot days, better on cooler days. Audi also said change the cluster, I thought forget it! I took it out; there are 3 plugs on the back. Turn it over, there are a few torx screws, take those out, and loosen the black clips which hold the clear face to the rest of the cluster.
What happens is the LCD display glass has a thin ribbon cable on its right hand side that powers the display, the bonding/gluing on this ribbon cable comes loose, doesn't make proper contact that’s why the lines come and go.
Over the top of the display is a metal cover plate held on by 4 legs bent on the back of the pc board. Straighten these, and it comes off. WORK GENTLY!!!
Then you can remove the LCD glass. Be careful; don't loose the 2 pieces of plastic behind the LCD glass. IT WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT BOTH OF THESE.
Then, either take the LCD panel to a good electronic company to re-bond the ribbon cable for you, or find a place that makes and sells LCD displays.
Don't worry about the codes either, so long as you disconnect the cluster with the ignition off, once you plug it back, everything will work fine.

I did mine myself, just added 2 extra strips of thin rubber strip behind the LCD on either side, and made the metal cover press down slightly harder on the ribbon cable so it makes better contact, and it works perfectly. All in all, an hour or so work.""

Will have to try this at the weekend I think.

Warning: these steps may vary from car to car depending on year and model Audi as I'm not sure what Audi these instruction are for but they help by pointing out what the problem maybe.

98 A4 · 09-18-2007, 10:00 AM

hopfully this will work for my LCD display because it rarely ever works

**docurley** · 09-21-2007, 06:45 AM

This should help

Step 1: Take out the instrument cluster.

Step 2: Disconnect the plugs.

Step 3: Remove the remaining plugs.

Step 4: Remove the cover. Take out the screws and snap open the cover.

sjmiller · 09-25-2007, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the info will give it a try this weekend.

rcronauer · 06-25-2008, 03:52 PM

sweet, finally found this thread you were talking about. gotta try this out this weekend. nice diagrams, thanks.

Siby · 06-27-2008, 11:02 AM

Nice thread! I really like your provided information. It's really helpful for me.
Thanks a lot!

DVD to Zune

ideoteque85 · 07-08-2008, 09:46 PM

Hey,

My 98 A4 1.8T has some problem with the LCD too. I can't properly read the words because the LED is all messed up. Most of the times, it is just dimmed. Do you think if I follow those steps above will fix the problem? I hate to spend a lot of money on this small things.

Thanks!

bigbadbucks · 07-09-2008, 08:29 AM

tried this and done every thing you say worked a little bit still some lines missing at least i can read it now thanx alot

ideoteque85 · 07-13-2008, 10:57 AM

I spent a good 2 hours trying to these steps but I still have a faded LCD on the panel. Can anyone tell me the reason why we need to put the rubber/tape on the metal frame? thanks

yertle · 07-17-2008, 05:24 PM

Are there pictures of the de-bonded ribbon cable? It feels like the post was cut short. What exactly does the problem area look like? I want to try this out, but I'm hesitant to take everything apart until I know what the fix entails... any help would be much appreciated.