LCD display pixel repair ribbon - instrument cluster OBC

Mercedes Instrument cluster pixel failure repair

**HQ SILVER cable with VIDEO repair manual **

Several Mercedes models, including C Class and E class from 1995 to 2003 have fading or completely dead pixels on the instrument cluster LCD display. This display normally shows the mileage, the temperature or the clock.

This missing pixel failure is very common at the following types:

MERCEDES-BENZ
E-Class W210(1995-2002) : E200, E220D, E240, E290TD, E300TD, E200, E240, E280, E320, E420, E430
C Class W202(1995-2000) : C200, C220, C270, C180, C200, C230, C220, C230, C280

The pixel problem lies with the ribbon cable that connects the LCD display to the circuit board of the instrument cluster. The pictures below show the instrument cluster's LCD display before and after the ribbon cable replacement (just an example of several board computer / dashboard instrument cluster types):

1. Mercedes C Class Instrument cluster - Manual and Automatic Gearbox:

The instrument cluster on the picture below is a common Mercedes-Benz C class speedo, with automatic gearbox. To repair the speedo DIY, you need 3 ribbon cables, and some cases a set of bulbs to get the speedo back to normal working order. The easiest way to make sure you buy the right set of ribbon cables – if te LCD’s on your speedo look like the one on the picture, you are buying the right set of ribbon cables. This particular instrument cluster has 3 LCD's:

- outside temp display
- mileage displays
- time + gear display

2. Mercedes E Class (2000+) Instrument cluster - assembled with 3 LCD on it:

The instrument cluster on the picture below is a common Mercedes-Benz E Class (2000+) however was also used some cases at C Class models too. This particular instrument cluster has 3 LCD's, but the set contains only 2 ribbon cables , as the big one in the middle is normally not failing. The content of your set is:
- outside temp display flexible cable
- time + gear display flexible cable

3. Mercedes E Class (from 1995-1999) Instrument cluster - assembled with 1 BIG LCD in the middle:

The instrument cluster on the picture below is a common Mercedes-Benz E Class (1995-1999). This particular instrument cluster has 1 LCD display in the middle, which is failing after a couple of years of use. Typicall fading pixels, missing LCD lines, or completely dead LCD display - one can fix / repair this LCD failure with ribbon cable replacement. This is a heat sealable ribbon cable design, which means you need to solder the cable to the panel with a special heat sealing T-head. This T-head is also available, and can be used on several soldering iron models.

4. Mercedes Vito CDI pixel failure, gauge failure, or completely dead unit:

Well this speedometer has several typical failures.
- LCD display pixel failure: if the LCD display pixels are fading, the ribbon cable needs to be replaced. This repair can be done DIY. You will need a T head for soldering the new ribbon cable.
- Speed and RPM gauge pointers do not move, stick in different positions, do not show the real value. This case the gauge motor housing needs to be replaced. Fix can be done DIY.
- Fuel level and temperature pointers show false value. To repair this failure you need to replace the complete gauge motor.
- Completely dead unit. This is very typical, that the speedometer doe not work at all, but when warms up it starts working. This case you need to replace the main processor MC68HC908AZ60 2J74Y of the unit. This is not a DIY repair job, soldering and IC programming involved.

4. Mercedes A class pixel failure:

At this model the most typical failure is that the LCD dispay pixels are fading, missing, or the LCD is completely dead. This case you need to replace the fauty ribbon cable. This repair can be done DIY, however you will need a T head for soldering the new ribbon cable.