Main Display Gone (VERY) Dim - 2004 Turbo - HELP

[AVIA8R]

I just finished installing my TPMS (see next post) and then my stupid main display went (VERY) dim. Well, a few days later. At first I thought it was out, but then I could see it still was displaying the information...it was just very dim. Has anyone had to deal with this? Does this require a whole new display or is there a bulb to replace (I hope so)? The entire dash was out a month or so ago when the dealer was trying to track down another issue.

Lastly, is it difficult to replace this unit?

Any help GREATLY appreciated!! :rolleyes:

Matt

Edited April 10, 2008 by AVIA8R

[mudman2]

The power for your TPMS may be puling the voltage down, did you hook up to the fuse box or tap an existing circuit.

I just finished installing my TPMS (see next post) and then my stupid main display went (VERY) dim. Well, a few days later. At first I thought it was out, but then I could see it still was displaying the information...it was just very dim. Has anyone had to deal with this? Does this require a whole new display or is there a bulb to replace (I hope so)? The entire dash was out a month or so ago when the dealer was trying to track down another issue.

Lastly, is it difficult to replace this unit?

Any help GREATLY appreciated!! :rolleyes:

Matt

Edited April 10, 2008 by mudman2

[CT44]

The power for your TPMS may be puling the voltage down, did you hook up to the fuse box or tap an existing circuit.

Per his install post it looks like he did...

JR

[AVIA8R]

Hooked up TPMS to trans wire. No connection to display. Very unlikely to situtations are related. Thanks for the input though.

[AVIA8R]

UPDATE: I sent the whole instrument cluster to a repair shop and they found that the flourescent lamps that light the LCD display had gone bad and could not be repaired/replaced. I've ordered a Porsche Remanufactured unit from Sunset (about $1,400) and will have the local dealer down-load the data (milage, etc) from the old unit and up to the new unit. It's suppose to take about 30 minutes. I will then reassumble the dash. All and all, it's going to cost me about $1,500 total. Oh well, what can you do. <_<

So, if you display goes dark just save time and evergy and buy a new unit.

Matt

[vtturbo]

UPDATE: I sent the whole instrument cluster to a repair shop and they found that the flourescent lamps that light the LCD display had gone bad and could not be repaired/replaced. I've ordered a Porsche Remanufactured unit from Sunset (about $1,400) and will have the local dealer down-load the data (milage, etc) from the old unit and up to the new unit. It's suppose to take about 30 minutes. I will then reassumble the dash. All and all, it's going to cost me about $1,500 total. Oh well, what can you do. <_<

So, if you display goes dark just save time and evergy and buy a new unit.

Matt

That price is steep! How much are you saving by getting the remanufactured cluster? I am thinking of getting a new cluster too because the front display is noticeably dimmer than usual, not sure why because everything is stock (untouched so far!), and the clear plastic cover is scratched too.

Edited May 29, 2008 by vtturbo

[AVIA8R]

UPDATE: I sent the whole instrument cluster to a repair shop and they found that the flourescent lamps that light the LCD display had gone bad and could not be repaired/replaced. I've ordered a Porsche Remanufactured unit from Sunset (about $1,400) and will have the local dealer down-load the data (milage, etc) from the old unit and up to the new unit. It's suppose to take about 30 minutes. I will then reassumble the dash. All and all, it's going to cost me about $1,500 total. Oh well, what can you do. <_<

So, if you display goes dark just save time and evergy and buy a new unit.

Matt

That price is steep! How much are you saving by getting the remanufactured cluster? I am thinking of getting a new cluster too because the front display is noticeably dimmer than usual, not sure why because everything is stock (untouched so far!), and the clear plastic cover is scratched too.

$1,500 is for a Porsche OEM remanufactured unit purchased from Sunset Porsche and not an aftermarket or non-Porsche reman unit. It was like brand new and is backed by the standard Porsche warrenty. You could buy a new one for about $500 more but I don't know any advantage.

[JeTexas]

Situations like this that end up costing people $1500 really irritate me. Why would Porsche design instrument cluster lighting with a limited life that couldn't be easily changed? In my 99, it just has small lightbulbs to backlight the LCD displays. I think a new bulb was $1.50. I believe the new units have LED backlighting, which should have an incredibly long life with low energy draw, but isn't apparently living up to its reputation. The ridiculous thing is, those LEDs cost about 10 cents a piece. Yet, they're not "serviceable," because neither the average guy on the street nor a car mechanic has the knowledge or skills to pull out the board and solder in new lights.

Porsche makes $1500 off you selling you a remanufactured unit. Then they take your unit, replace maybe $2 in parts, resolder a few connections, turn around and make another $1500.

That's nothing but bad engineering and bad customer service.