Official DIY 2000 Audi S4 LCD Instrument Cluster Pixel Repair

[lbs4]

anyone looking i have 2 clusters for sale, one works absoultly perfect no missing pixels $150 or one with a few missing pixels $85

[MastaJuse]

is there a way to install the iphone digitizer on there instead? i rather play bejeweled while im driving.

anyways, great job! is it sticky'd yet?

[VWYankee]

IF only I had the time to actually do this. Great write-up.

[DIYAudi]

Has anybody bought LCD from here?
http://www.freewebstore.org/dashboard-repair-shop/

This seems to be quality OEM display
http://www.freewebstore.org/Dashboar...0_4601706.aspx

Here is cheaper copy
http://www.freewebstore.org/Dashboar...0_4601718.aspx

[bldufour]

Just did mine last night.

Once everything is apart, you have to de-solder about 50 points that are about 1 mm wide. There is a product called QuikChip to help remove the old chip and it does work, but can make a mess. You got to be really sure you clean up the excess solder it dumps so as not to short anything. If I were to do it again, I would buy an inexpensive hot air rework tool. Re-installation was not easy.

I have alot of experience with electronics and trying to get all those points soldered properly took patience, a new .07 tip, a magnifying lamp (old eyes) and a few attempts. Whole process of removal and re-install of chip about 1hr, 45 mins. I can tell you I destroyed the old display upon removal and can see how you could damage the new one easily. Not for the faint or heart or those with little soldering experience. I figured I saved $100 over having it repaired by www.ModuleMaster.com. You need to decide if it is worth it.

FYI, I tried the heat trick on the ribbon cable and the pressure trick on the display edges and neither worked. When I looked at the ribbon cable with a back light, I could see points where the cable had come apart. I can not see how it could be fixed without creating jumpers over the broken parts. Considering those "wires" are hair thin, it is doubtful anyone could repair.

[00SantorinS4]

I believe k0mpresd replaces these for just $90 including lcd and return shipping. I would just go that route.. (I will be in the following months)

[Mani]

Just did mine last night.

Once everything is apart, you have to de-solder about 50 points that are about 1 mm wide. There is a product called QuikChip to help remove the old chip and it does work, but can make a mess. You got to be really sure you clean up the excess solder it dumps so as not to short anything. If I were to do it again, I would buy an inexpensive hot air rework tool. Re-installation was not easy.

I have alot of experience with electronics and trying to get all those points soldered properly took patience, a new .07 tip, a magnifying lamp (old eyes) and a few attempts. Whole process of removal and re-install of chip about 1hr, 45 mins. I can tell you I destroyed the old display upon removal and can see how you could damage the new one easily. Not for the faint or heart or those with little soldering experience. I figured I saved $100 over having it repaired by www.ModuleMaster.com. You need to decide if it is worth it.

FYI, I tried the heat trick on the ribbon cable and the pressure trick on the display edges and neither worked. When I looked at the ribbon cable with a back light, I could see points where the cable had come apart. I can not see how it could be fixed without creating jumpers over the broken parts. Considering those "wires" are hair thin, it is doubtful anyone could repair.

Very true. I almost killed my cluster when I tried to swap the displays. I sent it to mpower and he helped me fix it. If you don't have good soldering experience, better send it to mpower and save yourself few bucks.

[puttingzone]

Hi Guys, Just thought I would post a thumbs up for Paul at pixelfix.

I checked out his web site last night and was going to order a new cluster and try to fit myself.

I drove to his address today to find out more of what service he provided.

Thank goodness I did - this guy is the real deal totally professional and his attention to detail is outstanding.

I thoroughly recommend you don't try to do this fix yourself - what I saw him do today and how meticulous he was left me knowing there was no way I could have completed this project without a lot of potential problems.

2 thumbs up.
Bruce

[Gberg888]

Need this DIY!