C5 Climate Control dim/dark display fix
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 219
From: West Branch, MI
I think I've heard this somewhere else... "Size doesn't matter, it's how you use it".
You can use the 30w gun just fine. Just don't go crazy. Use as little heat as possible to resolder. Be quick, let it cool. Then move to the next one.
You can use the 30w gun just fine. Just don't go crazy. Use as little heat as possible to resolder. Be quick, let it cool. Then move to the next one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 5
From: Orlando,Fl,USA
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Spanish Fork Utah
I just bought my c5 last weekend knowing that it had this problem. This thread gave me the confidence that I'd be able to easily fix the display. I'm happy to report the display is shining bright again. Thanks to this great thread and all the fine forum members!
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Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Charlton MA
Well I just did the soldering hope it turns out okay all my solder points just balled up like little beads but seems to be holding. Does that mean not enough heat? The only soldering I've done is some at home plumbing. Makes me want to put flux on there. Also my board is the one where there are two rows of 4 right next to each other very close and the solder down the inside left one is touching the solder from inside right one in one spot is that an issue does anyone know?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Flux is a great idea... just make sure you clean it up afterwards!! Balling up usually means too much solder, especially if the component is stuck down to pads... it won't hurt anything as long it doesn't create a short. Which brings us smoothly to our last point YES it is a problem that your solder is touching!!!! Remove the bulk of your solder with wicking or a solder sucker... 
Tim
Tim
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Add me to the list of successful fixers of this problem. It took me a couple of hours between getting the console off, soldering and putting the unit back, re-installing the console and cleaning up my tools.
The additional power supply that looks like a cigarette lighter was turned in the socket enough that I couldn't see the retaining clip. Used a kind of hook awl and was able to pull the retain clip so it would disengage. Also, the passenger air bag indicator wiring wouldn't disconnect easily so that was a little frustrating.
I tried the cold heat solder iron from RS but had to get a traditional pointed iron at 15 watts with some wire solder. I don't think there's a good way to make a neat solder look to the surface-mount resistors. Mine looked as ugly as others but the unit works.
Thanks to the guys that detailed this. It saved money and down time.
The additional power supply that looks like a cigarette lighter was turned in the socket enough that I couldn't see the retaining clip. Used a kind of hook awl and was able to pull the retain clip so it would disengage. Also, the passenger air bag indicator wiring wouldn't disconnect easily so that was a little frustrating.
I tried the cold heat solder iron from RS but had to get a traditional pointed iron at 15 watts with some wire solder. I don't think there's a good way to make a neat solder look to the surface-mount resistors. Mine looked as ugly as others but the unit works.
Thanks to the guys that detailed this. It saved money and down time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 859
Likes: 1
Another huge thanks. Took me about 1.5 hours from breaking everything down to reassembling this afternoon. used a cheap 30watt plug-in solder I bought from wal-mart for $9, came with the solder and soldering iron, worked great. My soldering looked ugly, but who cares it works now
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Genoocid, Thank you II
Thanks for this post, guys. After much debate I decided to make this is a DIY project (sorta) and easily managed to remove the bezel. I took the AC display to a local electric specialist who charged me $30 to fix the connections. I showed the electrician this post which made it his work fast and easy. Thanks again, folks! 
