Freelander 1 Clock / Radio Display Segment Failure

On my 99 V6 it has a clock and radio display in the dash, top centre.
Some digits are corrupted with segments missing which makes it tricky to enter the radio code and read the time!!

I suspected the very fine plastic film ribbon cable between the pcb and display unit. I warmed the contact areas with a warm air blower and ran a plastic blade to re stick the cable to the contacts. I have improved it but not completely fixed. The cable looks like it would peel off, but then be of no use.

Any electronics buffs know the secret??

Can you buy the cable?
How do you stick it on, is there a conductive glue?

Thanks, other than the display it works OK.

Unfortunately the flat flex cable is a one time deal. After a few years, and many heating/ cooling cycles, the carbon conductor breaks down where it is bonded to the display. This means that you effectively have a scrap unit. It is sometimes possible to improve things by heating with a hot flat blade, which might make the connections again, but I've never cured one completely, or for long.

A replacement clock is needed really.

I think I have a couple of spares, although possibly from an MG (same type of display, but different colour back light). There are actually a couple of different types of display too, identification is by the number of connections on the back.

OK thanks. I suppose I could solder 20 odd thin flexible wires between the circuit boards?
Presumably corrosion takes its hold in between the connections?

The issue is where the thin flat flex meets the screen glass. They used a cheap bonded cable to glass assembly, rather than the more robust, but more expensive zebra strip used in LCD watches and the like. Once the carbon ribbon has started to part from the screen, then it's very hard to sort out.

Time for an upgraded head unit?

Jayridium said:

Time for an upgraded head unit?

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Shock, horror, not worn this multi CD unit out yet! New display it will last as long as my newly refinished suspension components!!

Yes, looked more closely, soldering to the glass could prove tricky!

Nodge68 said:

I think I have a couple of spares, although possibly from an MG

Click to expand...

Mine is marked 38DU52010214D, XQH100102.

If you have a spare one I'd happily ping the going rate your way John.

Thanks.

andyfreelandy said:

Mine is marked 38DU52010214D, XQH100102.

If you have a spare one I'd happily ping the going rate your way John

Click to expand...

I'll have a look, to see what I have. I know I've seen at least one recently, but I'm sure I've a couple more somewhere. I'll delve into my horde over the weekend.

Thanks.

Might be a bit late for you - but I can repair these clocks. I run the service though the Rover Coupe Owners Club, https://store.rover-coupe.com/services/16-lucas-clock-repair.html

We remove the old ribbons and replace with newly manucatured versions. We also replace the bulb at the same time.

Thanks for the info, good to see repair rather than the current climate of dispose !!
Worth pasting your link on parts for sale section.