Combination meter fix -  Steve Cheetham

There are 2 common problems with the combination meter

1.  The bottom line stops working.

2.  The rest of the meter stops working.

This procedure explains how to remove the combination meter and fix these problems, if you follow these instructions please email me and let me know how it worked. 

This procedure is being written from memory, so if something does not seem to work then improvise and let me know and I will update the procedure so that it will be easier for others.

The first thing is to remove the steering column cover.

Start the car and turn the steering wheel to the left a quarter turn, this should expose a screw, remove this screw. Turn the wheel to the right and remove the screw that is exposed.

Now using the controls on the left of the steering column adjust the steering wheel all the way out and down.  Now make sure the auto tilt away button is out, so that when the engine is switched off the steering wheel does not move, and turn the engine off and remove the key.  

Underneath the steering column there are 2 screws remove these, the bottom half of the cover should clip off now, and then lift the top half off also.

Next the panel just above the column cover will clip out, then remove the wiring plugs.

Now you need to remove the 4 screws holding the meter in place, there are 2 at the bottom and 2 at the top with plastic covers on them.

Before going any further you need to cover the top of the steering column with a thick cloth so that the screen does not get scratched coming out.

Now the meter should be loose enough to pull the top out about an inch, then pull the right side out and down, this is tight and does need a certain amount of force.  Then pull the top out and then the left side.  There is no easy way to explain this.  Then disconnect the wiring plugs on the back and it is out.

Now that the meter is out we have to fix the problem. Remove the white plastic cover, then remove the circuit boards and separate them there are 2 white clips one on each side to separate the boards.

To fix the problem with the bottom line replace  transistor labelled TR109.  (BC639 transistor)

Click for larger image

To fix the problem with the top half of the screen not working replace the capacitors c203 & c220.  (63V 10uF capacitor)

Click for larger image

Put it all back together and it should work. It is easier to get back in than it is to get out.

Do not start the car without the meter in place or the air bag light warning light will come on and stay on.

Sourcing components:
Capacitor, AT03D GenElect 10uF 63V
Transistor, VR06 BC639

I believe these parts are available from  Min the UK and cost less than a quid.

Lower Display Issues:

In addition to the "blinkidash" issues there is a problem with the lower display not having full illumination across the whole display, you can see it goes dark in the bottom left corner