hamaholic

(First post -- I'm a newbie here. I did a search first.)
My 2000 996 C2 has developed what look like cracks in the digital speed area. The digits are fine, but it looks like there is some kind of anti-reflective coating or filter over the displays which has developed some wandering cracks. It is unsightly and makes the digital speedo hard to read. Has anyone dealt with this problem in a way other than to fork out $2700 for a new instrument cluster (the dealer's solution)? Thanks in advance for any help!
Dean

Here's what it looks like:

Pac996

Looks bad but is the car getting cold with a chance for moisture to form. It's a sensitive lcd so it might just be moisture or cold screwing around with it like typically happens in SOME PEOPLES winter

ivangene

I have NO IDEA if North Hollywood Speedo's does new stuff... but for $130 I sent mine down and had it completely rebuilt.. might call them, if they dont do it, maybe they know who does - they are the best

C4CRNA

My climate control has the same defect.
Dealer said needs replacement, only option!!

hamaholic

I called Palo Alto Speedo and they said that the 996 can't be repaired. The only option is replacement with a new or used instrument cluster. I would suspect the problem to reappear with a used cluster, and a new one is $2700. Very disappointing, since the car only has 19,000 miles on it, been garaged its entire life, and only driven on nice days. The LCD seems to be working fine. But I noticed that Porsche LCDs are very easy to see in bright daylight. It looks like this is just some crackling of the anti-reflective filter over the LCDs. If the filter were separate, you would be talking about a $0.20 part to replace it. THanks everyone who chimed in.

ivangene

with the HVAC there is an Audi part that can be used.. not sure if the speed display has the same option... I would try N.H.S as suggested

Edgy01

Ask on the 996 forum. More people there may be able to answer that one!

Awesomo996

Pictures of the car?

ivangene

WAKE UP Dan !!

inviktus

My car sat outside on a 2 degree night and developed the same issue. It's gotten warmer the last couple days, and the cracking is slowly going away. Interested to see how it plays out.

hamaholic

Thanks for the replies, folks. I don't think it's going away on its own. If I find a good solution, I'll post it. Meanwhile, I'll give NHS a try.

15psi

My '99 developed the 'squiggly' thing on the odometer about 8 months ago. Still there. Car is @ 110k.

I hope someone has a solution other than replacement. My Mercedes developed pixel problems on the LCD display also. My solution there was a used cluster.

TomF

BMWs had a huge problem with dead pixels in the displays. I agree that the 996 display is much nicer and brighter than displays in most other cars of the same era.

Hopefully, you can find a fix. Keep us posted.

inviktus

Seconding this request!

Marks951

warmer weather helps, but doesn't eliminate the problem. Maybe more heat and less humidity.