01 Electronic Compass Display Out

:banghead:

The overhead electronic compass display is out on my 2001 Expy. It seems like there is very little info about this, except for some site that wants $20.00 to tell me how to fix it.... That fix supposedly involves soldering. Does anyone know what the fix is?

I'm having the same problem. I'm ready to put it in the shop.

I know you've probably already gotten this fixed but for anybody else that this happens to, I just fixed one of these a couple days ago. If you remove the display from the console there are 6 big resistors (rectangular components about 1/4in long and 1/8 in wide black with whit numbers on them. I found three of them had broken solder joints on them. I resoldered all 6 the unit works as normal now.

Actually, It is too cold right now to get out and tear the console apart. I did find the following write-up on a lucky Google search. With your post combined with the following, most should be able to repair this issue.



Thanks for helping!:smooch:





First, you must remove the outer shell (colored to match the interior of your truck). There are five tension clips that hold the shell in place. Begin by pulling downward (I just use my fingers to prevent damage) on the front (toward windshield) of the shell. You must pull VERY hard - it feels like it will break, but has never happened to me, and I've done a few now.

Once the front two tension clips pop loose, you must release two "L" shaped tension clips that lock into the storage compartment. You can BARELY see the tips of the clips when looking inside the compartment. Use a flat head screwdriver or similar tool to push out on the clips until they release. I've also tried reaching above the outer shell to pull on these clips (rather than pushing from inside the storage compartment), but my hands are too big.

Once these two are released, there is one final tension clip on the rear that comes off fairly easily.

Next, you will see the black inner shell. First, unplug the wire harness on the passenger side of the unit. Next, you must again pull from the front (toward the windshield) with force to release two additional tension clips. Finally, tilt the unit downward to release the "L" bracket at the rear (the "L" shaped bracket slides into a hole in the roof - no pulling required).

Once you have the unit out, remove the circuit board from the inner shell by removing the three torx screws (I believe they are 8mm but I can't recall).

Once the circuit board is removed, locate the 7 chips on the circuit board behind the display. They are labeled 620 and 680. The two I most often find loose are the two in the center directly behind the display - but check them all. Once the loose chips are located, re-attach them using a soldering pen (DO NOT USE A SOLDERING GUN AS THEY ARE TOO HOT AND MAY DAMAGE THE CIRCUIT BOARD). If there is not sufficient solder already in place (often the case for me), add additional solder as needed.

Now test the display by plugging in just the board in your truck and turn the key. If all works, put the board back on the inner shell and then replace the inner shell and plug in the wire harness. Then snap the outer shell in place and enjoy!

Don't pay $20 to www.anyonecanfixit.com/auto.htm - this kind of fix should be available for the masses for FREE!

Killer611
PS: all repairs are done at your own risk - if you don't feel comfortable soldering have some one who is do this for you!