Guys, Could you help me please. I have 2001 x-type and have broken message centre screen, therefore it doesn't display any data. I have purchased second hand instrument cluster, but I know by swapping them round I will have to reprogram it - which is quite expensive job. Just wondering if I just replace lcd screen will it work as normal? In which exact component all the security data is stored? Is it something on the main board? I'm a bit worried that it could be little chip or something like that built in the screen, so it will lock the whole car once replaced. Any help will be much appreciated, as I'm stuck.
Thanks in advance.

 

Chris, the LCD screens normally do not have anything stored (memory wise) in them. So, replacing just the screen should leave you with a programmed instrument cluster and a functional screen.

I have to ask, how good are you with soldering. What you are going to find is that to remove the screen, you are going to have a very delicate solder job on your hands. Are you familiar with stuff called "solder wix"? It is a fine copper (normally) braid that you put between your soldering iron and whatever you want to remove the solder from and it will suck up the solder from the joint. You are going to want some of that and also some extra liquid rosin (get the non-acid kind). Your other option is to have a can of compressed air so you can get the solder joint in the molten state and then using the can, blow away the solder. Just make sure to not blow it into the circuit card or else you are going to be picking out pieces of solder from the cluster so you don't leave an unintentional joint being made up.

Once you get everything de-soldered, you are going to be playing a lot to get all the pins for the LCD display loose at the same time. You also need to be aware that you can't leave the soldering iron touching the electronics too long, otherwise you can damage the components/board (heat and electronics are not a good combo).

I repair electronics for my living. If you need any assistance, let me know.

 

Hello, Just for everyone's info I have replaced broken LCD screen with no trouble, just disconnected old one from the board and connected second hand one and it works!!! Car works too! Many thanks!

 

Chris, good to hear that it wasn't too bad to do.