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Not too long ago, I noticed I had incomplete LCD display, some aspects of digits not showing, etc. It's been unused for a few months and I got it back out today and there is no LCD display whatsoever.
A few years ago, I had a weak LCD display, but all the numbers were there. I replaced the polarizing film, and all was fine again. This issue seems different, as only parts of the display were missing, and now I have no display at all. Thinking this could be a electrical connection issue to the LCD panel itself. I plan to pull the cluster out and see what's up. I have seen posts where the connections required replacing for a display issue, but can't recall if it was for total lack of display, or partial display of numbers, characters etc. Looking at the display with polarized sunglasses, I still see nothing. Anyone have any experience with this at all?
Looks like another interaction w Batee.
Last edited by H P Bushrod; Sep 18, 2018 at 09:16 PM.
No special news as of yet. I have pulled the cluster out and down to its basic components, the 10 connector wires are unbroken, I have continuity thru each conductor from the pin on the circuit board to the 10-gang plug, nothing looks corroded, etc. I have sent a message to batee.com to see what they suggest. I really doubt a problem with the polarizing film as I replaced that 3 years ago (June '15) and it's been in the garage getting very few miles on it. Yeah, it's a garage queen, and needs to go to someone who wants to use it as a DD.
I really seriously hope that this is not an issue with the LCD plate itself.......
Nothing to update, but I have read a ton of other similar posts on the forum, and generally anything which has included the term "LCD" anywhere in the text in C4 tech/performance and Gen discussion. Generally, I find that those who have described a blank LCD display could whack on the dash and it would often re-establish the display intermittently. This has led to discovery of broken wire(s) in the connector between the instrument cluster circuit board and the LCD plate. Mine looks fine and all leads are continuous. There are no lifted traces, corroded pins/wires, etc. Nothing I can see.
I have messages in to Batee.com, and to another board repairman I have used before for a tach issue, John Chapman. No responses as of yet, but I am considering putting it all back together w some dielectric grease on the push pins and see if I get a favorable result.
John Chapman has responded, he replaced items on the circuit board 8 years ago to fix a tachometer problem. Due to health issues he is no longer in the business but had some parts he may sell me. We shall see what I end up needing, but still awaiting response from Batee.com
I once took a look at a 91 (?) LCD that was acting up. If I remember correctly, it showed all segments when switched on but had missing segments/info in 'normal mode'. There was a driver chip (IC) integrated with the LCD panel and that probably had an intermittent connection. The owner found another working LCD and in the end no repairs were attempted. Should've been doable with the right tools or maybe even with an epoxy DIY approach, or so I thought at the time.
I lack familiarity with the "epoxy DIY" technique, and I'm not sure what the 91 digital dash looks like; I think it has much more LCD than the single square central panel in the 94.
Folks, I'm trying to upload a photo, "go advanced," and I've pulled it up 2X, in "manage attachments" from my device, but I don't see the magic button to make it load to my post. When I click Upload, it disappears. What is the new trick for a member to post a photo for cryin' out loud?? I've been posting photos on here for 10 years now, but can't seem to do it at this point. LCD dropouts in the 16.5 and the ZERO looks like an upside down U
Okay, that was a painful process, took about 30 minutes for "processes to end." It seems I won't be submitting much in the way of photos for sure.
91 has the same dash as a 94, the LCD is slightly different but the basic tech is the same. Epoxying IC's works -sometimes- when you apply pressure to the IC (as the original solders have lost their magic and then applying epoxy (or similar) to permantly fix the IC.
I later noticed you've had problems with the gauges before so maybe best to send the circuit board to a specialist.
Tachometer problem first, eight years ago, then bad polarization film I replaced 3 years ago, now this. Assorted burnt out thermonuclear lightbulbs as well along the way. For this current failure, I'm still gathering information, maybe it will go off to Batee.com but it's been 2 days with no response. Suppose I'll call him, but if I can I prefer to fix my own stuff, even circuit boards. Same system so to speak, 3 different problems. I've got threads posted on most of these issues, and a sticky on repair of the AC controller/programmer and capacitor replacement in that system. I suppose I've spent my time under the dash, and have come up with successful repairs so far. For tachometer repair, the circuit board went to John Chapman in Center Valley PA, but he is out of the business at this point.
I'll call batee.com (Bryan A. Thompson, electrical engineer, hence Batee) in a bit and see if I can get some information, and if they recommend sending it in, then I'll do that.
Currently I have put the gauge cluster back together, and will reinstall it in the car for testing. Of course I managed to leave the key on 2 days ago so battery is dead but I'm charging it. I'll put the cluster back in and leave the other surrounding items off, just so I can test the function of the gauge cluster once again before giving batee a call.
I have tested all the associated 5 amp fuses by pulling them out, and testing for continuity: CCM1, CCM2, CCM3, LCD, Cluster. These all check out fine and I have put them back in and closed up the fuse box for now. In reinstalliing the cluster, I get just a blank orange screen for the LCD display. The lights light up behind it, and if I look at it with polarized lenses, it's still just orange; same if I shine a light on it, turn on parking lights, etc.
Time to call Batee.
Talked with Bryan at Batee.com, he's uncertain what this could be but entertains the same thoughts I have been mentioning. It's now in a box in the mail to him. Updates later next week. I padded it with a ton of bubble wrap and peanuts, reinforced a box, essentially built a box within a box, but we all know the USPS can break a ball bearing with a rubber hammer. Hope this thing survives and gets back to me fixed and intact.
Just an update, Bryan (Batee.com) tested my unit, and has told me that the LCD plate is toast. He has no replacements currently, so I have bought one which hopefully has a functional LCD plate which can be swapped in. I suppose another week before I know anything more. I suppose if the LCD plate is bad in the spare one I have bought, then I'm a bit hosed. Fingers crossed of course.
Gamble on the "new" LCD plate worked; my unit has been repaired, Tach calibrated etc, and is getting mailed back to me so I can reinstall. BTW, I'm putting this one-owner 37K mile treasure on the market. If seriously interested in this, send me PM and I'll discuss further.
Closing things out for now, not wanting to leave an open ended thread w no resolution for anyone searching LCD plate in the future. Instrument cluster arrived today in the mail, I've reinstalled and all is good once again with a nice crisp display. Another Batee.com success story to add to the forum. That being said, I now have a complete 92-96 Instrument cluster including the clear plastic polycarbonate cover, but of course minus a functional LCD plate. Hit me up with a PM if you have interest in any of the parts.
If anyone is searching out how to remove the instrument cluster, I have it in another thread, suppose I'll link that thread here for anyone looking. Pictures etc begin at post number 15. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-problems.html
No LCD display 94 Model
