1991 LCD digital dash problems

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Mar 22, 2006 | 06:56 PM

Gordfire

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

From: Houston Texas

1991 LCD digital dash problems

My 1991 LCD instrument panel doesn't show anything half the time, does anyone have any suggestions?

Mar 22, 2006 | 07:15 PM

glswish

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: Indianapolis In.

My '91 used to do the same thing.
Try removing and cleaning the contacts.
I think there was a tech tips on how to do this here on the forum
Tech Tips >> C4 Related Tech Tips >> Fixing an erratic 90 to 95 digital display

Last edited by glswish; Mar 22, 2006 at 07:23 PM.

Mar 22, 2006 | 07:17 PM

1990Redcoupe

Advanced

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 64

Likes: 1

From: Columbus Ohio

What I've read elsewhere on this board is that over time the pins in the connectors oxidize and eventually lose contact. If you drop the sterring column and remove the bezel the insturment cluster will unplug from the dash panel. On top of the cluster is a connector where the LCD display plugs in. You can slide that back and forth about 1/32 of an inch. Many times that will break the oxidation layer and restore contact. You may also want to get some contact cleaner from radio shack and lightly spray the connector as you do it. I'd clean the main connector as well.

This worked for me. My display was half missing and difficult to read. Once cleaned its been solid ever since.

Unless you are electrically inclined I'd refrain from disassembling the cluster. However there is a tech tip on doing that on the in the C4 tech tips section with some detailed instructions and photos.

Hope this helps.. Good luck.

Mar 22, 2006 | 07:27 PM

Gordfire

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

From: Houston Texas

Thanks guys, I'm going to take it out tonight! I'll let you know.

Apr 9, 2019 | 09:19 PM

bp308

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 49

Likes: 0

From: DeRidder, LA

I appreciate that post. I have the same problem.

Apr 9, 2019 | 10:12 PM

jv9999

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 2,185

Likes: 381

From: Lunenburg MA

Lots of info on http://batee.com/ (though this dude really needs an SSL cert for his site...)

Apr 13, 2019 | 02:06 AM

vettespecial

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 185

Likes: 24

From: Tennessee

Lcd

I recommend bantee.com, fixed my cluster new bulbs LCD fixed tachometer fixed quick turnaround 👍

Apr 15, 2019 | 12:08 PM

ctmccloskey

Safety Car

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 4,750

Likes: 1,642

From: Fairfax Virginia

Use Bryan at BATEE@COM and he is clearly the best in the business! Bryan is "The Man" when it comes to digital dashboards and other devices. We in the Corvette world "need" people like Bryan so please support him and recommend him to anybody with a C4! It is in our best interest to keep Bryan in business!

I did the work myself with the parts and support from Batee.com and it was not too difficult if you know how to solder and de-solder. I was shocked to find burn marks on the PC boards caused by the light bulbs that GM used originally. After upgrading to BATEE.COM bulbs I doubt it will do any more damage.

I found the plastic connectors on the boards have warped and this causes the erratic action you are describing. The wires of this one particular connector were not making any connection in the center of the strip as the plastic had warped so badly. I used to have to tap the dashboard to get connections but not anymore. I also rebuilt the C68 A/C controller while I was at it. Now I have a fully functional dashboard and AC controller in my 1988 C4 thanks to Batee.com.

Best regards,
Chris