So what is the latest on instrument cluster repair?
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, NC
I've actually got two s4 clusters and I'm in Durham. (both lost pixels)
I've been debating on getting one of these replacements, myself. Although I do a decent amount of solder work, I've not done much surface mount soldering. I need to disassemble one of the clusters and take a better look at how it's mounted. Do you know if it's a surface mount?
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Re:I haven't seen the actual connection but looking at the ribbon...
cable on the VDO it sure looks like it has to be surface mount. If I find an Amphenol connector that fits the ribbon cable I'm going to go that route.Seems it would be easier to solder that on the board than the cable. I just haven't pulled the cluster apart yet to know for sure. To be honest I'm more worried about messing up the dial pointers and the dials when removing them. One DIY says pry off with a screw driver, but one member here says don't just twist off against the stop? Also they say mark the exact position of the pointer not even sure what that means, seems like the stop on the dial would be the exact place. When I do all this I'll let you know. The VDO is coming from the Netherlands and it shipped on Monday so I'm sure it will be awhile before it arrives.
Hey if I damage mine on the first attempt want to sell me one of the one you have?
.
Hey if I damage mine on the first attempt want to sell me one of the one you have?
.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, NC
Yes, it is surface mount, I took a look inside my spare cluster last night.
I haven't pulled the dials yet, as I'm as concerned as you are about removing the needles. I'll probably check with my Audi mechanic on what he recommends for removing them. Installing an Amphenol connector would be great, as I can't see any of these displays being a true "lifetime" solution. Here's a pretty nice DIY I dug up on surface mount soldering.<ul><li><a href="http://curiousinventor.com/guides/Surface_Mount_Soldering/101">I'm pretty good with an iron, but this guy makes it look so easy.</a></li></ul>
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 0
I deleted all of his emails for some reason, but...
Go to the classifieds, find a post where he is selling his RS4 powder-coated handles, click on his handle name, and it will bring up his email address.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hoodini
S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
4
Nov 20, 2004 11:19 AM
