Instrument Backlight

[richlaz]

Hi all,

I'm new here - just bought myself a T25

I have a slight problem with the backlight on my instrument cluster.

The speedo and clock etc all work, except the backlights when the headlights are on (I've tested the three small lamps and they are all ok).

I've found that the flexi circuit board which powers the backlights, has a break in the track.

Is there any way of fixing this? (e.g. would it be possible to scrape away some of the plasticy board to expose the copper conductor to solder a small linking wire?) I don't want to damage the board more than necessary

I've had a look around on eBay and a few sites but can't find these replacement flexi boards

Also, the blue LED for my "main beam" doesn't work (the main beam works, just not the LED). Would this be a duff LED, or would it be related to the flexi board problem? (all other instrumental LED's work fine)


Thanks in advance for any help and advice

[Mocki]

if you are good, its a pretty easy soldering job.
some have used conductive paint, but personally i would solder it.
chances are the main beam Led prob is related.

[CovKid]

Agree with Mocki. Mind you, I became so fed up with intermittent breaks and the lack of quality second hand membranes, I hard wired the lot. Not had a problem since but it took ages to do.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Conductive adhesive copper strip is better for flexible membranes so long as you can find two points to stick it over. You could make a complete new track.
THIS type of foil.

[Mocki]

top call mr ObG
i had some of that years ago, i have now re-ordered!!!

thanks for reminding me about it

[Oldiebut goodie]

I've always got some to hand - it's good for things like making up solar panels from small pieces.

[richlaz]

Many thanks for the replies

Managed to repair it today. Scraped away some of the plastic. Soldered the copper track, then put a nice big blob of "glue gun" glue over the front and back of the PCB where the break was, just to stop it flexing and breaking again

I also took the rear cover off the clocks, tested the LEDs, and the blue one (main beam) didn't work, so replaced that too, and now all is well

That's my first two little jobs done...