dash problems

[violet]

Thought I would post this separately.  Have a good indy that is going to sort any mechanical issues.

Here is a pic on start up.



Then once I have started the service light and other bits dissappear to leave this.  Which is not a


The two end bits are fine.  Fog light symbols cruise etc pops up fine.  So very faint service indicator with no info visible on 2nd line.  Absolutely nothing in centre panel and no mileage under gear selector.

bulb seems fine as appears illuminated.  Changed brightness of dash nothing changes pressed trip distance reset prong and re the system check prong and nothing.

Help?  Anyone help fix this will travel and pay well or anyone know anywhere in the east midlands ideally that will fix.  Or even better mobile fixer that can come to me.

[violet]

Sorry pics upside down on first two, right way up on phone. )  hope it makes sense.  So hard to edit posts on my phone.

[Ryoken]

could it be the ribbon cable at fault ?
I know mines got the missing pixels, and the service block on the display is missing ,
just an idea?

[violet]

Could well be hoping it might be just that.  Seen missing pixels just not complete blanks.

[Ryoken]

ive got mine being booked in on Monday for mine repairing , ill let you know how I get on

[Steamyrotter]

Sometimes, and you may be clutching at straws here, it could be as simple as disconnecting the battery for a bit to allow it to discharge then put back on..

Ribbon cable usually exhibits loss of some pixels, but not heard of total failure of a cable yet.
Having said that if the 'line' cores have broken rather than the 'column' ones then you could concievably lose it all.

Ribbon cable is a fiddly fix, and can be done as a DIY if you are competent and very careful (I dont usually fit into either of those categories but managed to replace mine).
Or there are people and places that will repair for a cheaper than replacement cost.

search for the dashboard test procedure and you can confirm exactly what does and doesn't come on.
(Hold one of the dash buttons on until TEST01 comes up, press again to get to test02 then press other button.  Everything on the dash will be operated so you can see what isn't working)

[violet]

It could well be the bulbs.  It looks sort of lit up but apparently there are 5 bulbs.  Just booked an appointment with a co called M-tec.  Quoted 150 to do it all.  Saves me messing around with taking the thing out.  He covers the Midlands will let you know how I get on.

[Chrisw4266]

When I bought my X5 I had the same problem and used this item off ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-E53-E39-E38-Speedometer-Instrument-Cluster-New-LCD-Pixel-Repair-Ribbon-/251646590511?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a974e3e2f

I rang and spoke to the seller and they where excellent, however its not an easy job and requires either the needles to be removed or the gauge frame to be drilled quite scary but do-able if your handy with the spanners.

[Steamyrotter]

[quote="Chrisw4266"]
I rang and spoke to the seller and they where excellent, however its not an easy job and requires either the needles to be removed or the gauge frame to be drilled quite scary but do-able if your handy with the spanners.
[/quote]

Just for info, from research and personal experience...
Probably better to do it the non needle removal way.
The gauges are easy to damage if you don't do it just right, whereas the drill method leaves the gauge needles alone.
It sounds hard and a worry, but when its back together you really dont know that it has been drilled at all

[Chrisw4266]

[quote="Steamyrotter"]
[quote="Chrisw4266"]
I rang and spoke to the seller and they where excellent, however its not an easy job and requires either the needles to be removed or the gauge frame to be drilled quite scary but do-able if your handy with the spanners.
[/quote]

Just for info, from research and personal experience...
Probably better to do it the non needle removal way.
The gauges are easy to damage if you don't do it just right, whereas the drill method leaves the gauge needles alone.
It sounds hard and a worry, but when its back together you really dont know that it has been drilled at all
[/quote]

Agreed bud I went down the drill route defo didn't want to disturb the needles

[violet]

Did contemplate a self fix but read it could be a bit of a pain and need to be steady and sure.  I am not the most patient person so on this job thought it would be  easier to get an expert to do it. The thought of drilling the dash was the final decider to leave well alone.