955 Gauge Cluster LCD on ebay

[gerthdynn]

I had searched a couple of years ago and nobody had a solution to the faded gauge cluster LCDs.  I just looked on eBay and it looks like there is one up there now.  Has anyone used this and does it fix the dreaded Cayenne S amber lcd fade after it gets warm?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2004-2005-2006-Porsche-Cayenne-Gauge-Cluster-Display-Screen-LCD-Amber-/231195836197?fits=Model%3ACayenne

 

 

[911nick]

I have never used this company, but I went their website, and they seem reputable. I guess there is no other option other than to buy a new one. Why do these things wear out?

[gerthdynn]

I haven't a clue, but I think it has to do with the way they did the polarizing coating.  On mine at least, even if it is all blanked out from heat, if I move my head about 45 degrees from direct on I can see the lettering perfectly.  It definitely has something to do with how hot it gets.

[martadon]

You're not wearing polarized sunglasses, are you???  Because that's exactly what happens if you do.

[gerthdynn]

In case you weren't joking, I am the person who pointed out the polarizing filter as a possible culprit, so I know about the effects of cross polarization. No, as wearing sunglasses or not it still does that. And before you ask I'm not wearing polarizing contacts either. It is temperature dependant so those from generally cooler climates rarely see this effect or if they do it takes longer. I would be willing to bet quite a bit of money that few people check the off axis viewing angle of these when they start to fade.

[martadon]

Google is your friend  http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/east-fix-for-fading-lcd-on-instrument-panel.44714/  Explains why this happens.  Fix it?  How bold are you!

[gerthdynn]

If you read through the descriptions most of the users describe as the faults that fixes it is that individual lines are going in and out, which definitely sounds like an lvds type of cable coming in and out of contact. There was a thread a few years ago where several of us were explaining the issues and troubleshooting, but it is obviously different. It is possible disassembling and adding a heatsink somewhere would definitely improve the situation and it might even reduce future failures if parts are replaced. It may even be possible that the heat is not changing the polarizing film and instead it is just changing the distance between the two to increase. In that case if you are very lucky you might be able to get it to work by applying pressure uniformly across the entire LCD. But as others mention in that thread for the different problem described in it the LCD is faulty and applying pressure is just a temporary fix and the LCD should be replaced. Thus we come back to the reason for this thread to begin with. Has anyone used this eBay item to fix the issue?

I will take some pictures of the issue Saturday when I have some time. I will not have a chance to order that part and see if installation goes well and it really does fix issues until probably October at this rate.

[martadon]

Good luck.  The link I posted describes the issue with the LCD display.  Whether it's lines dropping or a dimming issue doesn't matter.  Check further.  It's the connection.  Oh, i have an instrument cluster from a 2004 model.  LCD has no issues.  PM me if you want to talk about it.  I've changed my cluster out with zero issues.

Edited September 5, 2014 by martadon