my q45 has a blank climate control screen; can i fix it?

[subtle_driver]

ya, my 1990 q45 climate control screen went blank a few weeks back. The buttons still work and so does the a/c and vents, just the display is not working. i have been trying to find info on fixing it with no avail. i even took it apart and looked for some bad connections or sauder. i didn't see anything wrong.

is it possible to fix these? or do i have to buy another one? thanks!

[maxnix]

Jerry Tucker can

http://www.jerrytucker.net

[Q451990]

I talked to Jerry about it after trying to fix mine. I replaced all of the capicitors under the theory that maybe the problem was similar to the one with the Bose amps - and he just chuckled and said "nice try."

It's a component, not just a cold solder joint - so save yourself some time and ship it to him. $100 isn't that bad compared to a new OEM one. I bought several on eBay and about half of them worked - so it is a very common problem.

Heath

[Drake57]

I had mine fixed by JT a month ago - the cost is now $120, but still economical compared to new.

[mr.beeks]

ebay ones suck cause they dont tell you if they are working.not only that they list 90-93 and guess what the plug is different for 93..so instead of waisting time follow the others advise.

[Infinitiguy19]

Actually the 1993 one are the same as the 1990 ones.

[Haitian_King]

ya, my 1990 q45 climate control screen went blank a few weeks back. The buttons still work and so does the a/c and vents, just the display is not working. i have been trying to find info on fixing it with no avail. i even took it apart and looked for some bad connections or sauder. i didn't see anything wrong.

is it possible to fix these? or do i have to buy another one? thanks!

If it just started happening and it's intermittent, hitting it may bring back the display. It used to work for me, but I eventually purchased one for $10 from a NICO member. Check the classifieds. Going the JT route would be faster if you're in a rush.

[Infinitiguy19]

Yea I have 2 spare ones that work but no lights.

Let me know.

[subtle_driver]

Yea I have 2 spare ones that work but no lights.

Let me know.

how much?

btw, has anyone fixed their own? i want to fix it myself. i have fixed a bmw climate control unit before, and someone told me to send it to someone and spend $90. i spent 75 cents and fixed it myself once i knew the trick. if it is to crazy to fix i will just get another one or send it off. but i want to try first.

[Q451990]

To my knowledge, no one has figured out the defective component that causes the failure - except Jerry Tucker. If someone had a strong enough electronics background to diagram the circuits and figure out what was intermittant, they might be able to figure it out - but no one here has had both the ability and desire to figure it out. Trust me, I spent hours playing with it only to give up and send it off to JT.

Heath

[Infinitiguy19]

You've got mail

[goody90q45]

To my knowledge, no one has figured out the defective component that causes the failure - except Jerry Tucker......Heath

If JT is (was) only charging $100 his fix must be quick (<1 hour), simple and cheap. The labor rate for his shop repairs has got to be $100/hr to stay in business in San Diego.

[Q451990]

I get the impression it's one or two components that fail that he replaces - so yeah... a pretty quick fix.

Heath

[subtle_driver]

So i take it nobody here has ever fixed their own blank climate control screen? hmmm.... Well Im gonna try the junkyard tomorrow.

Has anyone here sent in their unit to get fixed? did you open it and see anything different? if anyone had one fixed can you please open it and take pictures so maybe we can find out the fix?

[Q451990]

I had one fixed. Took before and after pics... couldn't tell the difference. The replacement component apparently looked the same as the original... or at least close enough that I couldn't see it.

Heath

[maxnix]

.... Well Im gonna try the junkyard tomorrow.

4 to 5 odds you will get another that will fail soon if it has not already.

[subtle_driver]

I had one fixed. Took before and after pics... couldn't tell the difference. The replacement component apparently looked the same as the original... or at least close enough that I couldn't see it.

Heath

bummer!!!

[Infinitiguy19]

I don't get it, just go to your local junk yard or buy one through me and get it over instead of going with no display.

I mean I know how you feel, If you can fix something why waste the money with a used one or waste money period, But its not as simple as replacing spark plugs or installing a transmission cooler. At least those are easier because the stuff your working with is big and easy to work with compared to little circuit boards.

[subtle_driver]

I don't get it, just go to your local junk yard or buy one through me and get it over instead of going with no display.

I mean I know how you feel, If you can fix something why waste the money with a used one or waste money period, But its not as simple as replacing spark plugs or installing a transmission cooler. At least those are easier because the stuff your working with is big and easy to work with compared to little circuit boards.

I like to fix what i have, its cheaper and i get a huge satisfaction from it. I have fixed a few things that required getting to the circuit board. But i was armed with the knowlage on how to do it! I fixed a blank HUD on a 240sx, a climate control unit on a BMW, and a body control module on a ford escort, climate control module on a Benz and the stop light module recently on my Q45... and some other stuff i forgot about.

but if nobody knows what part goes bad on the unit, then i might just do what you say! hahahaha! But if i did fix the problem, im sure you would all love to see a write up with pictures?

[Heath]

Does anyone know if JT is still doing this? Mine just died on me...