Overhead Compass/Temp Fix

This is what I have always liked about this forum. I just did the overhead compass temp fix and I really couldn't see a broken connection until I pulled on one of the 510 resistors. It is great that everyone shares this kind of information. Thanks.

 

For those interested, I wrote up a short blog post on controlling the automatic dimmer function in the Tacoma overhead display: http://www.siliconmethod.com/control...rhead-display/ A client wanted to stop the truck from auto-dimming the display when his headlights were on; I set him up with a wiring harness and it works great. If anyone is interested, go to my site and contact me via email and I will send details or write up a how-to. It is very easy...snip one wire and install a switch. -greg

 

Thank You, for the detailed procedures.

I fixed one this afternoon.

Used a magnifying glass to get a real good look at the solder joints. I doesn't seem possible, that they could use less solder at the factory.

Well anyway, I took care of it.

Very easy fix.

Thanks again

oldracer

 

You've helped another member! Back from the dead.

 

Mine went out for the third time. Each time it's taking less and less time to blow again. At least it's an easy fix.

 

Mine just finally quit in my 2008. I need to pick up some solder though. For now I pressed it down using a pen while it was on. Melted my pen! I can see why the original solder lets go.

It it covered by warranty?

 

had tried to fix ours but lack of research and patience caused a screw up (bridged them). Tried to go online to find where we could just buy a new/used display, but in that time of research only found places that would fix it if you shipped your broken unit to them. Anyone know where we can buy one for decent money, and not the four-hundred ridiculous dollars the dealer wants?

 

FuryGrrl you might want to check this guy out (http://www.siliconmethod.com/). I haven't used him but he's been posting in this thread for a while and I don't recall anyone being disappointed with his service. Good luck!

 

Thanks! I'll keep it on the list of possibilities.

 

A desoldering iron like this works wonders for removing unwanted solder. Or pulling components to replace them. Got mine when I replaced the convergence chips and resistors in an old rear projection TV.

 

Thank you, all, I joined this forum just to be able to pass along my thanks!

My display was dimming then coming back again, then finally a couple of weeks ago, stopped displaying all together. Once the assembly was out, a Google on the part number brought me to this thread (very good idea including the part number in the thread).

My display unit had been opened by someone before I purchased my truck (last November), and one of the tabs was broken off. They tried to glue it with model cement (which did not work). Both "510" resistors showed "cold" solder joints, so their repair was not so successful.

Here are a couple of tips that worked well in my situation:

1. It is a good idea to remove the old solder (especially "cold" joints like mine). Use a small (22 gauge or thinner) stranded wire with the insulation removed. Just place the exposed wire over the old solder joint, press the soldering iron on top of it until it absorbs the old solder. It might take a couple of tries to totally remove all of it.

2. If the tabs holding the amber cover break, do not despair. Use a hot melt glue gun to "tack" the cover to the display sub-assembly before mounting the display unit in the dome assembly. Once mounted, the joint will close anyway. After mounting, run a bead of hot melt glue near each the corners, bridging the joints.

Many thanks again, may all of your overhead temp/compass displays live long and prosper.

Kurt

 

My temp works fine and I have had no issues with the display disappearing. My compass was stuck in SE and I tried to calibrate it and now it is stuck in cal N. This compass fix doesn't sound like the right thing for my situation. Has anyone had similar troubles?

 

My 510 resistor is snapped in half. Suggestions?

 

Are these under warranty? Could I just bring them the old compass and they give me a new one? I'm almost at 60K

 

Parts are made in Mexico, because of the plantation in Texas. cheaper to manufacture plastics there in Mexico, and they don't have as restrictive environment regulations.

 

My temp/ compass just malfunctioned and just found this site because of it. I took it apart and then plugged it back in and gently squeezed it in different areas and it started working again. Definitely something loose in there. Will work on it after work tonight. Thanks everyone.

 

See my post on P 69, post #1377. I was in AZ when I did this but live in Long Beach so I see you're nearby if you want an assist. I'll watch my email for a reply here.

 

Stopped by the dealer and there is a TSB for the compass. Looks like I can get a new one for free.

 

If you haven't already fixed this, simply look at the solder joints with a magnifying glass for cracked joints. Use a pencil type soldering iron, minimize heat, and add a bit of solder to the two 51 ohm resistors. Those are typically the problem as the solder spray at manufacture time is under-engineered. The resistors could have been 1/2 watt too, instead of 1/4 watt. Cheap design, failures galore. If you need to replace a resistor, see my post #1377, page 69.

 

Only if the vehicle is still under warranty (I assume). Anyway, my 2007 just quit for the second time after fixing it a couple years ago. Oh, well at least the fix is easy. Thanks again TW.