Pixels out on climate control screen. Suggestions?

A couple weeks ago, some of the pixels stopped lighting up on the climate control screen. For example, instead of displaying "64" for the temperature, it displays "E4." Today, the snowflake disappeared for the AC indicator. The AC still works, but when I turn it on, I don't get the snowflake icon on the screen. Any suggestions as to what is needed to fix this? Thanks!

There are a couple of possibilities. 1. Could be the control board for the display unit. To my knowledge, that can't be repaired. You might need a whole new HVAC head unit. 2. Might be bad contacts between the control board and the LCD panel. You can take the unit apart, and then clean the conductive rubber strips on either side of the LCD (aka the Zebra strips). Worth a shot. 3. Could be a bad LCD. You can buy a stock-like replacement from the guy at 914Rubber.com. He has high quality replicas of the stock LCD. I have one and it's perfect. Modulemaster also makes a replacment for Audis that fit in the 996 unit, but it looks a bit different. It does work, but I don't like the non-stock appearance. I might have one of the modulemaster lcd's if anyone is interested. More info on dis-assembly, etc... http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutor...imate-control/ http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...imate-control/

Thanks for the info, frisbee. I did some general internet searches, and found others that experienced this problem. I think LA Dismantlers also sells replacement 996 LCD units. I know Mark over at 914Rubber.com. I'll try calling there. Had no idea he has LCD units for a 996... I wonder why he sells them?

See this thread - mentions cleaning contacts w/ alcohol to fix missing segments. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l-display.html

I have the same problem on the 996 Targa we just got There are a bunch of LCD panels on ebay for around $60. Looks like 914rubber is the same $ If you do replace the entire control unit, IIRC, there are 2 different versions, one with 2 connectors and one with 4 connectors. You can use one out of a 986 as well. Don't worry, it wont make your car go slower Let us know how your fix goes

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Check that the ones on ebay are the correct style. There are two types, the 996 stock, and the "Audi" style, which looks slightly different. You can see the difference in the second link I posted above.

Thanks, guys. So, all I need is the LCD panel I guess, not the whole unit. Sounds good.

just buy the screen....iirc 65 bucks. installation takes a good 20 -30 min or so. I went really slow but it's easy i forget who sells em.

i got mine from modulemaster...look at the pictures they save...it's slightly different than oem. The display picctures are slightly bigger

OK, I just ordered a screen from 914Rubber.com. Mark (the owner of 914Rubber) is a good guy. $60 plus about $7.50 for shipping. I'll add to the post here once I have the part, and post up some pix. Seems like a common enough problem that it might be useful for others. Edit: 914Rubber just sent me this link to detailed instructions for replacing the LCD. Not sure how long the link may stay active, though. https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?...jbQAa1qcQz9Fqc

OK, the climate control is fixed! I ordered the kit from 914rubber.com. It came with very detailed instructions. Basically, you remove the climate control unit, disassemble it, remove the old LCD screen, put in the new one, and reassemble. It took me an hour because I was being very careful. I'm sure I could do it in 20 minutes the second time (hopefully there won't be a second time). Just be VERY careful to keep all the parts oriented correctly. It would be easy to get the screen installed upside down if you are not careful. Note in the first picture, the missing pixels and missing snow flake icon for the air conditioning. The kit came with a small light bulb, but no mention of it in the instructions. Anyone know what it's for? .

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Thats the Idea light. It goes over your head and illuminates when you have an idea All seriousness aside. sounds like you found the right solution I will be doing it soon as well, the Targa has a few missing segments in the climate control. I was going to get the panel from another supplier, but now I will go with 914rubber.com. Thanks for being the guinea pig

I guess that's why the bulb stayed dark. I never have any ideas. Well, at least not good ones.

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Nice! As I've said before, I highly recommend the kit from 914Rubber. I'm glad you like the instructions... I took many of the pictures when I did my swap and sent them to Mark to use in his documentation. Not sure, but that light looks like the one in the console ashtray?

Just replaced the LCD in my Targa. Easy peasy Got the kit from 914rubber.com, fast shipping Perfect replacement, same look icons as factory Mine did not come with any instructions or the little light that Cuda got Downloaded the instruction form module master and didn't need the bulb took all of 15 minutes most importantly, the wife is happy

Great! The instructions don't come with the kit. Mark (owner/operator of 914Rubber) will email you the link to the download (I posted the link above, Post #10). Mark told me that the light bulb is for a 944 kit, and was inadvertently put into the package.

Just became a Sponsor so we will be advertising this kit here on Rennlist shortly

I had this problem and it went away spontaneously when I left the car in a lot at 90F for 4 days. Wondering if a hair dryer would fix it?

Heating the LCD can "fix" the LCD temporarily. Expansion and contraction, vibration, and moisture are all enemies of the LCD. Drying it out will help, but eventually it will reappear. Its really only a matter of time. These will become delaminated eventually.

Love the site and the information it provides. Saw the spot on my screen and thought WTH but looks like a common problem that happens over time. I ordered my new screen from 914rubber so should be good for another 10 or 15 years once replaced.

I bought my kit from Pelican parts $78, it was easy to do, instructions are detail and simple. Before After

I wish there was a permanent solution but oh well. Most of my purchases have been from Pelican for the 996 since we have owned it but the kit was about $65ish shipped from where I ordered it from.

I need to do mine one of these days.

Pretty easy to do the instructions are right here - https://914rubber.com/996-lcd-replacement

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truction video Actually made a video. Its here https://914rubber-tk.com/doku.php?id...e_control_unit