Blotchy Display
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Derry nh
Blotchy Display
My '91's speedo display turned blotchy yesterday. Numbers are still readable but parts of them are very light. After about 10 min. of driving it went back to normal until the car sat for a few minutes and I started it again... back to blotchy.
Has anyone removed the display before and how much of a pain is it?
Has anyone removed the display before and how much of a pain is it?
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
On my 96, I had to remove the lower dash panel. then lower the steering column. then remove the four screws holding the speedo/ tach panel, then removed the four screws holding the digital display and pull it out. It has a large plug in the back that plugs in when the new display panel is put in. It did not set off my anti theft, which was good. yours may be the same. I bought mine at a corvette salvage yard. much cheaper than a remanufactured one, but then you hope that the one from the salvage yard is good. If anyone needs a speedo/tach unit to use as a core if you are buying a remanufactured one, I will sell the one that came out of my car for $100. 1996 Corvette Collector Edition.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Derry nh
I'm really hoping it's a contact / connection issue on the circuit board somewhere, and that I can find the marginal connection and fix it.
Wondering if anyone has fixed this problem without replacing the display, which is in the $700 range for a reman.
Wondering if anyone has fixed this problem without replacing the display, which is in the $700 range for a reman.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
I am assuming you have an '84? Check with Bryan at batee.com. and see what he thinks may be the problem. He also fixes dashes so ask him what it may cost. Definitely read all you can on his website for instructions on how to proceed.
It may just need cleaning of the pink blocks and LCD contacts on the edges with alchohol and Qtips. Once you get the dash out, take it apart being very careful to remember exactly how it all goes back together especially orientation and placement of the pink blocks. Set the dash on a towel to not scratch the LCDs but make sure you dont double it as it will put pressure on the LCDs and push them out of place risking breakage. There are small black rubber bumpers that hold the LCDs and a little lever spring on the center LCD that holds it in place. If its out of position it will crack the LCD.
Just be very careful and everything will be fine. Again, go to batee.com and read up on everything first.
Good Luck!
It may just need cleaning of the pink blocks and LCD contacts on the edges with alchohol and Qtips. Once you get the dash out, take it apart being very careful to remember exactly how it all goes back together especially orientation and placement of the pink blocks. Set the dash on a towel to not scratch the LCDs but make sure you dont double it as it will put pressure on the LCDs and push them out of place risking breakage. There are small black rubber bumpers that hold the LCDs and a little lever spring on the center LCD that holds it in place. If its out of position it will crack the LCD.
Just be very careful and everything will be fine. Again, go to batee.com and read up on everything first.
Good Luck!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 628
Likes: 13
From: Indiana
While you are in there go ahead and replace all the light bulbs and reseat all connectors. You want to do this as few times as possible. I don't know if they have LED bulbs available as replacements or not, but if they do, you may want to go that route.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski