MPH LCD digits stopped working

[IslaTurbine]

In an effort to fix some blown warning lights, I removed the dash gauge cluster. I fixed the lights and reassembled everything and suddenly my left and center LCDs were no longer working. These were not lights that I had replaced.

 

I disassembled it all again and swapped the bulb for the right LCD with the center LCD bulb and reassembled. Again, only the right LCD was working. If nothing else this verified that the bulb in the center LCD was not blown. 

 

I then took the car out for a drive and gave the gauge cluster a whack on the top of the unit. This caused the left LCD to start working again (along with the right LCD), but the center is still broken. 

 

Does anyone have any insight as to what could cause this type of behavior?

 

Thanks!

[Loren]

8 times out of 10 cluster problems after disassembly are connectors not fully seated and locked in place.

Give those a good hard look - as well look for bent pins.

[IslaTurbine]

I took out the cluster again to look, Loren. All the prongs look straight and clean.

 

I took out the 3 LCD bulbs again (they are the ones with the tan base) and adjusted the metal prongs on each. It now appears one of the bulbs is blown as part of its filament is broken. It must have been at the end of its life and removing the gauge cluster killed it. I still don't understand why two LCDs were initially dead. It's possible the metal prongs on the bulb were loose.

 

Looks like I'll have to order a new bulb, probably 3 just to be safe.