Trip computer questions and problem

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Hey all got some questions about the trip computer.

Whats the reasoning behind the 1 in the corner of the average and all that? Is there a way to get a second set of averages and all that possibly based off the seperate resetable odometer thing.

Second does anyone know anyreason why my trip computer likes to fade at random times? Most of the time its fine the fist time i drive in the day. Second time, or after a while it starts to fade from the outside in. Lights dont affect it however at night it seems to work perfectly fine. The clock doesnt affect it either.

Some pictures to help illustrate




Would replacing it with a second hand one change anything?

Thanks all.

[TazzyVR6]

Don't know about the fading thing. But with the number 1 your right, on the bottom of the right stalk there is a button. Push to change between data set 1 and 2, hold to clear that data set. Page 1 clears automatically 2hrs after the ignition isn't turned back on, page 2 will remain until you clear it manually.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Haha knew it. Cheers mate i thought there had to be a way to change it and thought that i tried that but obviously not. Now i can do the fuel economy of each tank

[TazzyVR6]

Yep it's great for that, exactly what I do! Cheers

[graeme86]

Screen fade means the display is on the way out....it is a fairly common fault. It will fade more once the car interior gets hot (after being parking in hot sun for a while). Thats why its okay first thing in the morning and at night time.
I have seen new display screens on ebay but only for the full size display that fills the whole window. There are a couple of places in Germany and UK that can repair them. Haven't seen anyone here that can do it.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Ah ok cheers. Would i have any chance at finding one at a wreckors? Or would those large ones work? I've seen something on the modification of those large ones to show like radio information and stuff like that but im a bit unsure on that. Like were would the dash indicators go?

[graeme86]

If you swap the dash you also need to match up the immobilizer etc so its not exactly a bolt in.
The larger display has pixellated warnings that flash up instead of the bulbs in the middle.
The radio info only comes up if you have a factory euro radio like a Gamma (not the Aussie eurovox stuff)
You would have to get the larger display cluster from overseas...none were put in Australian cars on Mk ivs

[Speed]

Would i have any chance at finding one at a wreckors?

You probably could get them from a wrecker but personally I'd steer clear of them.
Most wreckers won't exchange or give you a refund if electrical stuff doesn't work or is doing the same thing as yours.

Guess it depends how much of a bargain you could pick one up for but be warned.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Hmm is it possible to just change the screen then?

Yeah thats a problem with wreckors but i doubt you can find them new either. This is gonna be fun or just looks like im leaving it.

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

Today was a wet and dark day and when its dark it seems to be completly fine so im wondering if there is a light sensor that could be effecting it?

[Manaz]

Today was a wet and dark day and when its dark it seems to be completly fine so im wondering if there is a light sensor that could be effecting it?

I'd bet it was also cold - which goes with what graeme86 said - it's the screen failing, heat just makes it worse.

If the screen itself can be separated from the dash without critical damage, it should be replaceable.

[geoff_gti]

Hi mate, I've had the same thing happen with my screen & agree it occurs when I've been parked in the sun & it's hot inside the car. Once you've been driving for a few minutes and the inside temp drops the screen seems to normalise. Wouldn't worry about it too much.
Cheers

[graeme86]

There is a light sensor near the zero on the speedo which alters the brightness of the display, but on a dark day it would turn the display down

If you go out when its dark and turn on your ignition then shine a torch on the sensor, you can actually watch the display brightness change.

[geoff_gti]

Cool you're right Graeme! I'd seen that mark on the dash there but never realised it was a light sensor or the display changed brightness automatically Always thought it was linked to the dash lights

[dylan8]

mines been fading like that since iv owned it.
It still goes now and as the others say it has to be hot in the car to effect it. Sounded like a lot of trouble to change so i have just left it.
Graeme i never knew that! Will be trying it next time im in the car at night. Thanks!