2006 A4 Red DIS Screen Fading at random times

[ryankkoenigsman]

Since i got the car a few months ago this issue has been getting progressively worse. It seemed to be related to heat, but when I left the house the inside of the car couldn't have been above 40 degrees and it still did it. I did a lot of looking online, but couldn't find anything about B7 A4's having that issue, just B5. Is there a way to fix it without replacing the entire instrument panel? Dealership quoted me 1500 for that. Ouch. I'm pretty good with electronics and not afraid to take anything apart, but not the best at soldering. I feel like this is a safety issue though. When I started it today, I couldn't read any part of the screen. Since that is where I am warned of oil pressure, brake failure, etc, I think it should be replaced by the dealership at no cost. Any advice is great. If needed I will post pics. Thanks for helping out a noobie :P
Ryan

[rollerton]

Pretty sure the B6/ B7 Clusters are the same as far as hardware- and that means the LCD screen is a very simple part to replace.
Simply remove the cluster, remove the speedometer head assembly from the cluster housing and the LCD screen has a connector that you unclip. No soldering.
I would try a pixel output test with VCDS first. When you get in there it's possible the connection has just started to come loose, since these screens rarely fail.
And, before you ask- no, the color LCD screen won't work. Different connector, different driver, different all around.

[Sanctuari]

Just replaced my cluster 2 days at the dealership $85 deductible. Same problem upper left corner blinking. If you have warranty its covered.

[ryankkoenigsman]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try the VCDS test first, and then check the connector. Any idea where I could fine a replacement screen?

[dnice08]

Would also like to know where to get a replacement screen. Where in vcds do you find an output test?

[ryankkoenigsman]

The vcds test is located under instruments, then output tests. It is a part of the output test. After testing, it seemed fine but simply because of the temperature I think. I had my cluster taken apart last night and couldn't find a way to get the needles off so I can get to the screen to check the connector and can't find a tutorial for doing so. Any advice?

[ryankkoenigsman]

Does anyone know where to buy a replacement screen?

[blancoA4]

Im no help as to where to find a screen, but my 2006 does that too when i start the car up... I thought I've been seeing things. But my ac/heat temperature displays do it too.

[bman005]

Does anyone know where to buy a replacement screen?

A friend of mine got one for his B5 on ebay...a year later and all it does is flash at him most of the time so I don't recommend that route

quick google search http://www.dealextreme.com/p/replace...lf-more-117594

[ryankkoenigsman]

A friend of mine got one for his B5 on ebay...a year later and all it does is flash at him most of the time so I don't recommend that route

quick google search http://www.dealextreme.com/p/replace...lf-more-117594

That isnt the correct screen unfortunately.