2000 Carrera odometer

[thomas0809]

I have a 2000 Carrera. The Odometer does not light up. When shining a bright light on it you can still see the numbers, and it continues to tally the miles (currently about 69,000). The dealership says they have to replace the entire instrument array (for $1,300). Is this true or is there a burnt out light bulb that needs to be replaced. TIA

[monkeydust]

Well, I was trying to find some photos I took of my dash when I took it apart but couldn't find them. Anyways, when I bought my car earlier in the year, I had a big splotch over my odometer LCD. I took my dash out and took it apart to see if it could be fixed. Upon closer inspection, the odometer LCD was attached to the circuit board via a ribbon cable that was soldered on which meant I couldn't just part it out and replace the LCD. Because of this, I don't think you'll be able to fix yours. But, I'm no expert on the matter. I can only relay my own experience with it. I ended up having the Porsche dealership replace my dash which cost me about $1800.

[Izzy]

I have never done this, but thought you could fix it with something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-996...sspagenameZWDVW

[Stefan]

That auction implies that the bulb can be replaced without soldering. You might want to ask them for their instructions.

[monkeydust]

I have never done this, but thought you could fix it with something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-996...sspagenameZWDVW

Interesting. It sounds like if he can see the numbers but they are dim, then something like this might work (wouldn't have worked in my case though).

I couldn't find the online instructions they mention on the site though.

[Stefan]

I couldn't find the "online instructions" on their website either. You could ask them for it. You could also look at completed auctions and contact someone who bought the kit.

[monkeydust]

Well, I'm surprised that you can change the color of the LCD screens like that. I must not understand how those things work because I thought the color was actually part of the LCD itself.

[phillipj]

I ordered the kit so I will let you know how it works out. I have a friend with this kit and the blue is really nice.

I used my AMEX so If I don't like it I won't have to pay.

I'll update after the install,.

Phillipj

Edited December 30, 2007 by phillipj

[phillipj]

I have a 2000 Carrera. The Odometer does not light up. When shining a bright light on it you can still see the numbers, and it continues to tally the miles (currently about 69,000). The dealership says they have to replace the entire instrument array (for $1,300). Is this true or is there a burnt out light bulb that needs to be replaced. TIA

Can't you go through a dismantler? Seems like that could be an option. $1800????? A freakin new engine is $12k. A hate Porsche for things like that.

Good luck and I hope you find a solutiion.

Phillipj

[Tool Pants]

Thomas, just replace your burned out bulb. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1827

The 1999-2001 old style cluster has incandescent bulbs that you can easily replace yourself. Each of the 3 LCD displays has a bulb behind it, and it is very hard to see the display when the bulb has burned out. If you want the display to be blue, then put in a blue bulb.

There is no soldering involved.

The 2002-2004 new style cluster has LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs. On the new style you do have to unsolder/solder the LEDs.

What gets the confusion going is that the ebay seller is selling LEDs, in blue, for the old style cluster, and these LEDs fit just like the original incandescent bulbs and do not involve soldering.

[monkeydust]

Ok, so the numbers on the LCD are basically blank areas where the light shines though and then the rest is black? That would explain the problem I had. All the LCD substance had been rubbed off somehow in a splotch in the middle of my odometer display as you can see here.

Anyways, I looked at that site some more. Apparently the instrument panel is the easy one. To change the lights on the AC, radio, and all buttons/knobs, there is a lot more work with soldering involved.

Edited December 30, 2007 by monkeydust

[phillipj]

I have the instructions for the E bay blue LED's now. P.M me if you want them.

Phillipj

[Sky_King]

I have the instructions for the E bay blue LED's now. P.M me if you want them.

Phillipj

Phillipj,

Could you PM those to me as well??? or email jhale@neo.rr.com

joe