Instrument Cluster Compatability

[ttreat]

Does anybody know if there are differences in the instrument cluster tach LCD panels? What years would be compatable with an '01 cluster. I know there are differences in the clusters from a tip, manual, C2 or C4 but are the LCD panels really different? The LCD panel just displays the digital speed and computer information (avg mpg, temperature, etc.) My LCD panel has some crazing and I was told that nobody makes these panels but you could replace the panel from another instrument cluster.

I would like to find a donor panel from a bad cluster and try to replace just the LCD panel. If anyone has a bad cluster I may be interested in buying it.

[vpcar]

I don't know about the compatability issue. But I'm replacing my cluster next week and it will be available. Here's my post w/video attached. Maybe you can use it for parts if it's compatable with your model.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/40637-gauge-cluster-gone-haywire/

[Loren]

Does anybody know if there are differences in the instrument cluster tach LCD panels? What years would be compatable with an '01 cluster. I know there are differences in the clusters from a tip, manual, C2 or C4 but are the LCD panels really different? The LCD panel just displays the digital speed and computer information (avg mpg, temperature, etc.) My LCD panel has some crazing and I was told that nobody makes these panels but you could replace the panel from another instrument cluster.

I would like to find a donor panel from a bad cluster and try to replace just the LCD panel. If anyone has a bad cluster I may be interested in buying it.

MY01 is a bad year for clusters as it was different from MY99 - 00 and then the new cluster came in in MY02.

You will likely need to find parts from a MY01 cluster or a complete MY01 cluster. - Sorry...

[vpcar]

Loren my 02 C4S is an early Jan 02 model. Would my old cluster be compatible with ttreat's?

[Loren]

Loren my 02 C4S is an early Jan 02 model. Would my old cluster be compatible with ttreat's?

No, you have the later style "dot matrix" rather than the early style "LED segment" display.

[ttreat]

vpcar, my LCD screen is a little different so unfortunately I don't think it will work. Thanks for the offer though.

[ttreat]

Loren, do you know if the '01 Boxster LCD panel will work?

[Loren]

Loren, do you know if the '01 Boxster LCD panel will work?

No, Boxster actually went to the newer style "dot matrix" in MY01 a year ahead of the Carrera. Sorry.

[logray]

How about calling a dismantler shop to find a broken unit that matches? Perhaps they might have some wrecked cars with broken clusters and would make you a good deal?

[ttreat]

I have started that as well. I will make some calls on Monday to dismantlers.

[ttreat]

I finally got my LCD repaired and it works great thanks to Andy at VDOrepair.

Here are some tips and lessons. I bought a bad instrument cluster with a good tach LCD screen from a dismantler thinking I could switch it myself if it were a pin connection. I took apart the bad cluster and saw that there was a ribbon connecting the LCD to the circuit board directly. I pulled on it gently and it came off easily. BIG MISTAKE! I later found that these are thermally bonded and if they are not pulled off with heat applied, there will be damage to the contacts on the ribbon. For anybody thinking of doing this, I was told that it just takes a heat gun or hair dryer and it will come off easily with no damage. Once I had the LCD panel off I shipped it off with my car's cluster. They were able to replace the old ribbon with a new one and it works great so far with no crazing. This was much less expensive than replacing the cluster with another used one and I was able to keep the original cluster in the car.

[logray]

Great news!