Hello, I'm kind-of new here; been lurking a lot. After looking everywhere for a good way to fix the missing pixel problem in my C208 and not finding an convincing enough method (except a new replacement unit, which would be rather silly), I decided to take mine apart and brain-storm. This is what I found and how I decided to go about fixing it.
The problem with the ribbon connection points in these VDO units, it's in the lousy way they are held together, there is not a single screw holding these things together, it's all tabs. An example of how it should have been done is the center (main) display ribbon connection; it's held down firmly at the circuit board end by a proper connector latch. The ribbons of the smaller screens are glued-on and held-down by small silicone strips, the glue itself is part of the problem as it softens with heat and some residue gets in between the contact points. The pressure exerted by the silicone strips is dependent on the assembly being held together by all the tabs, and it's obviously not enough after a while, so I decided to use screws to provide the clamping force.
This was my first attempt to repair this and I did it rather hastily, nevertheless I am very pleased with the results. I now have a better idea of what to do to ensure a perfect, more permanent fix; for example this is what I didn't do but would if I did this again:
Apply radiant heat to ribbon connection at circuit board to separate it completely, clean it, and reattach it (no glue this time), then spraying some silicone lubricant to keep moisture out.
If you don't want to do this, I recommend spraying the connection with circuit board cleaner prior to going over the ribbon with the soldering pencil.
But, as you will see, the result is rather good as it is. Anyone can do this, it just requires a lot of patience, por example, most people are scared of damaging something when removing the gauge needles, (but damage is more likely if you attempt to pry them straight out), I found that keeping the dust out of the screens and inside of front lens was far more challenging.
Parts used:
(4) Phillips screws (4/32" X 3/8").
(4) Washers (5/16" total diameter). Plastic is preferable but metal ones insulated with tape will work.
Soldering iron (pencil type, do not use pistol type as these heat-up too quickly).
Drill bit (5/64").
Two strips of high density foam (a mouse pad will work) about 1.5" X 5/16"
Mini-screwdriver set.
The problem with the ribbon connection points in these VDO units, it's in the lousy way they are held together, there is not a single screw holding these things together, it's all tabs. An example of how it should have been done is the center (main) display ribbon connection; it's held down firmly at the circuit board end by a proper connector latch. The ribbons of the smaller screens are glued-on and held-down by small silicone strips, the glue itself is part of the problem as it softens with heat and some residue gets in between the contact points. The pressure exerted by the silicone strips is dependent on the assembly being held together by all the tabs, and it's obviously not enough after a while, so I decided to use screws to provide the clamping force.
This was my first attempt to repair this and I did it rather hastily, nevertheless I am very pleased with the results. I now have a better idea of what to do to ensure a perfect, more permanent fix; for example this is what I didn't do but would if I did this again:
Apply radiant heat to ribbon connection at circuit board to separate it completely, clean it, and reattach it (no glue this time), then spraying some silicone lubricant to keep moisture out.
If you don't want to do this, I recommend spraying the connection with circuit board cleaner prior to going over the ribbon with the soldering pencil.
But, as you will see, the result is rather good as it is. Anyone can do this, it just requires a lot of patience, por example, most people are scared of damaging something when removing the gauge needles, (but damage is more likely if you attempt to pry them straight out), I found that keeping the dust out of the screens and inside of front lens was far more challenging.
Parts used:
(4) Phillips screws (4/32" X 3/8").
(4) Washers (5/16" total diameter). Plastic is preferable but metal ones insulated with tape will work.
Soldering iron (pencil type, do not use pistol type as these heat-up too quickly).
Drill bit (5/64").
Two strips of high density foam (a mouse pad will work) about 1.5" X 5/16"
Mini-screwdriver set.
I wonder if I can re-solder the ribbons back. If someone has already done this, I could use some help...
