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Subject: Instrument cluster pictures-long Author: zapperjoe : member since November, 2005 : 3073 posts Posted on: 2005-12-11 18:55:51

The following are pictures for the disassemblie of the rear of the cluster. I would like to make an observation: VDO Repair states that they replace the ribbon cable which is the source of the problem. Well, the ribbon cable is an integral part of the display and is not repairable nor replaceable in any fashion unless they are replacing the complete display lens assembly. The problem with the cable is where it is "pressed" into contact with the plated "fingers" on the main circuit board. This is located on the edge of the board and is held in contact using the white display housing along with the "pink silicone strip" seen in display picture along with the 4 screws that are visible from the back. Before disassembling to this point I would use the contact cleaner of your choice "rubbing alchohol and a compressed air source" should be sufficient to increase the contact between the board and the ribbon cable.
Also the small 5 lights visible from the rear are for the Display backlighting. If you have "dim" display sections them replace the bulbs. I ohmed them out and they should be about 10 ohms but as they go bad can increase resistence and subsequently brightness.


I would also like to give out a general thank you to the board for the help you all have given me in the past. I hope this helps others it certainly cleared up my problem.























You can see in this picture the tab on the side of the connector. There are four per connector.

• Instrument cluster pictures-long (pic) - zapperjoe 2005-12-11 18:55:51 (16525 views)
  • More pictures here (url) - DavidC 2005-12-18 04:53:47 (3616 views)
  • Has anyone tried Stabilant? (url) - scottmm 2005-12-12 04:19:15 (1346 views)
    • I used Deoxit by Caig labs (nt) - zapperjoe 2005-12-12 11:15:30 (1124 views)
  • Re: Instrument cluster pictures-one more pic (pic) - zapperjoe 2005-12-11 18:58:19 (2875 views)
    • We'll be curious to see how long your pixels stay bright. - sealbeach740 2005-12-11 19:43:12 (1128 views)
      • Display pixels are barely visible without the backlighting - zapperjoe 2005-12-11 19:57:42 (1180 views)
        • Re: Display pixels are barely visible without the backlighting - photekz 2005-12-11 20:36:15 (1013 views)
          • BMW dealer (nt) - zapperjoe 2005-12-11 21:21:21 (1168 views)
            • are they expensive? (nt) - photekz 2005-12-11 21:24:42 (912 views)
              • Re: are they expensive? (url) - vstoval 2005-12-11 21:47:03 (1033 views)