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2002 Z06: HUD: No light inside

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Old Oct 14, 2025 | 10:52 PM
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Default 2002 Z06: HUD: No light inside

2002 Z06, bought few months ago. HUD wasn't working.

I have fixed the HUD pivot pin and replaced the bushing on the other side. Referred VettePros video to reinstall the mirror

After reassembling the HUD when I connected it to the car for testing, I was able to move the mirror all the way up & down. However, I didn't see the projection on the windshield. After spending a lot of time to check if I could see some some kind of light inside the unit, I can confirm I don't. I have looked in from outside of the car, there is no light on the VFD.
The windshield is HUD compatible because I see this printed on the windshield - bottom of the passenger side "SHADED HUD 4.8mm SOLAR RAY".

Considering, the mirror moves properly, there is no issue with the power.
Also, I have checked fuses 19 & 25, they are fine.
This doesn't look like the photo resistor issue as well.
So, is the VFD gone bad ? Some bad circuit, wire, etc. At this point, it could be anything.
I have no clue how to proceed and I am not that savvy in debugging electrical issues.

I am considering either buying a used one but inclined towards contacting ClusterFix and sending them my unit for repair if they agree. Because, even if I buy another one and if it fails as well, I will be back to square one.

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you!

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Old Oct 15, 2025 | 02:46 PM
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Brightness slider moved all the way down?

Page 69 of this pdf has a troubleshooting procedure.
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File Type: pdf
2002 INSTRUMENT PANEL.pdf (19.97 MB, 56 views)

Last edited by Dads2kconvertible; Oct 15, 2025 at 03:04 PM.
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Old Oct 15, 2025 | 03:18 PM
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No, it's all the way up. I tried moving the brightness slider up & down as well, it does nothing.

Thanks for the document, I will take a look in the evening.
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Old Oct 16, 2025 | 08:05 PM
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So the bad news is that C-5 PCBs get old/brittle and tend to have cold/broken solder joints (see HVAC bright/dim fix). This might be the problem, you would have to take the HUD apart and inspect/resolder the PCB(s). The other bad news is that the VCDs are old school fluorescent type displays from mid 80s tech and eventually dim and fail. Let us know what you find.
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Old Oct 17, 2025 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by jcgunn
So the bad news is that C-5 PCBs get old/brittle and tend to have cold/broken solder joints (see HVAC bright/dim fix).
This is a manufacturing issue, not an age issue. This problem was surfacing on auto climate control panels 20 years ago. I have not read that the HUD had the same problem. Can you direct me to that thread/post?


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Old Oct 17, 2025 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
This is a manufacturing issue, not an age issue. This problem was surfacing on auto climate control panels 20 years ago. I have not read that the HUD had the same problem. Can you direct me to that thread/post?
I don't have a specific post, but guys have had to repair the PCBs on the key fob, OEM radio, HVAC and others. The PCB in the OPs HUD is 20+ years old and has been baking under the dash the whole time. It's worth a look.
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Old Oct 17, 2025 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by jcgunn
I don't have a specific post, but guys have had to repair the PCBs on the key fob, OEM radio, HVAC and others. The PCB in the OPs HUD is 20+ years old and has been baking under the dash the whole time. It's worth a look.
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Old Oct 17, 2025 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by jcgunn
The other bad news is that the VCDs are old school fluorescent type displays from mid 80s tech and eventually dim and fail.
Pinball machines used similar fluorescent tech and the aftermarket has replaced with LED now. So all hope is not lost forever.
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