Instrument cluster repair - Electronics tech

[rockyridgefarm]

My '02 Deere 4310 has an LCD hour meter that is now black.

There really is no good solution, as I want to sell the machine and don't want to lose value or misrepresent it to a potential buyer.

• Can't find a used cluster, and it probably would have way more hours if I did. Cost about $250.
• A new cluster would show '000'. And cost $700
• An aftermarket one has issues regardless of what it shows. Cost $45

Right now, the best answer is the last option, but I am thinking of diving in to see how tough it would be to replace the LCD panel. I had this suggested when I posted this in JD Owning. I wonder if there is anyone with any experience.

I plan on posting pics and details as I work through it!

 

[Steave]

This may sound crazy, and you have to consider the source. The radio in my ford truck has a lighted LCD screen that sometimes won't show anything even though the radio will play fine. I noticed when it does that I turn it off then on a couple of times and maybe give it a thump with my finger and it will then light up. Think fluorescent light. Just a thought.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I keep hoping - this isn't backlit - it almost looks like it has an oil leak inside.

 

[hawkeye08]

I had a tablet that had died.. screen looked liked like something had leaked inside.. it did not run when tilted, just dead..

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Here it is

 

[skyhook]

That LCD is toast. You could just add another "separate" meter. Google " lcd 12 volt hour meter " and you'll find plenty. Look under "images".

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

long time, no hear Mike!

Does it look like you could solder in a new one from the backside if you could procure one?

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Hey, Tex!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

OK, this is almost embarrassing how easily it can be repaired. The hour meter is an off the shelf componant that is used all ovr. The display is held on with tabs. No soldering at all.

 

[beenthere]

View attachment 507689View attachment 507690View attachment 507691


OK, this is almost embarrassing how easily it can be repaired. The hour meter is an off the shelf componant that is used all ovr. The display is held on with tabs. No soldering at all.

So that is great to know.. but from yesterday to today, where/when did you come up with the new display? part #, source, etc. would be helpful to know.. tks

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Part number was plainly printed on the side. Quick Ducking found the unit and $18.95 has it on the way

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

That's awesome detective work Mike. Post a link to the lcd if you can.

I wonder if I could fix the LCD on our 5420 tractor? It has been out for years. Probably put over 200 hours on it since it's been out.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

ENM Company - T111AB - 6 digit DC 8-28 VDC 1.2W x .6H black LCD Hour Meter - Allied Electronics

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Could be the same or similar. I would open the cluster and verify before ordering one.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

How the LCD should look Hope to install tonight.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

the Saga continues!

there are 12 years difference in the date codes on the hour meters. the new LCD's won't display correctly.

Back to the drawing board.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

the Saga continues!

there are 12 years difference in the date codes on the hour meters. the new LCD's won't display correctly.

Back to the drawing board.

Oh man, I didn't want to hear that.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Well, I am not giving up.

Possible solutions:

Find a cluster of same age just for the LCD. (Not likely) $400

The OEM makes a programmable timer. (Problem is that it is in a sealed case and might not fit cluster) $20

Program the same model timer that I already purchased. (Takes a while!). $28 already spent.

I am proceeding with the last as I research the others.

 

[texasranger556]

Help me understand what you've found out thus far. Does the LCD screen have a driver chip built right onto the back side of it? Or is that the controller board in your pic and it also tracks hours?

Does the new LCD display anything at all? For a college project years ago I had to reverse engineer a graphics LCD based on a Hitachi controller. I beat my head against the wall for several days until I figured out one of the voltage inputs needed to be driven negative to have sufficient contrast. Until then I was drawing characters and graphics just fine but couldn't actually see anything.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

the display appears to be passive and driven by the timer module to which it is sandwiched.

The new display set on the old board shows ' 1E 8.8 with no hourglass on the far left.

the characters are of course wrong. shouldn't be an 'E' - i have over 500 hours, and the last 2 '8's are even iffy.