Dashboard clock backlight inoperative. 4200 Coupe

[rob05170]

Hi,

the backlight in my 4200 dash clock has packed in. It would seem this is a common problem for these clocks, they clocks have an electro-luminscent backplate that for all intents and purposes is not serviceable. Why Maserati could not have designed a clock with a simple replacement bulb is anyone's guess. Grrr.

Has anyone had the same problem and had any success getting the backlight fixed at a component specialist ?

thanks

Rob

 

[mjheathcote]

I recall an owner doing a led replacement. Problem was diffusing the light evenly to avoid the concentration of light so you don't get the green illuminated spots. I think the owner ended up getting a replacement clock in the end.

However today you can buy the illuminated led strips that might be better?

 

[CatmanV2]

I think that was Newton, although I could be wrong

C

 

[highlander]

I think that was Newton, although I could be wrong

C

Nice cover all bases answer.....

 

[CatmanV2]

Nice cover all bases answer.....

Now, now. Play nicely

C

 

[voicey]

EL backlight instruments are fitted to quite a few modern Ferraris - they are a pain in the backside and prone to failing from a jump start. It is usually the voltage converter so have a look at that first. If it is the display then try and find a company to make an EL panel for you using the old one as a template.

 

[Slowly]

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/showthread.php/2783-Clocks-I-couldn-t-resist/page4

 

[2b1ask1]

That's the thread indeed; the problem will be a blown ballast chip on the back of the clock PCB, the actual colour of the PL is voltage derived. I did find the chip manufacturer but could not get a sample from them, minimum order was something like 10,000 chips so I was not interested.

You could quite easily do a better job than me in wiring replacement LED's, even to a thin PCB with surface mount micro LED's where you could do an array, it will be spotty though as diffusion is the problem.

 

[CatmanV2]

It appears that you can now buy EL panels, and cuttable ones at that. This may be of use?

http://elwirecraft.co.uk/el-how-to-and-tips/cutting-electroluminescent-panels-el-tape-or-el-sheets/

C

 

[2b1ask1]

You won't need a new PL - EL sheet, however the link does list EL drivers, this is useful and may be worth a try.

 

[rob05170]

Thank you all so far for your advice. It would be great to hear if any member has used an instrument repair specialist who has managed to repair the EL backlight.

 

[2b1ask1]

The challenge is actually removing the clock from the dash more so than the repair; be prepared for a fight!

Clock is a really crumby but of plastic tat inside, the electrical connection is just three:

12v + permanent
0v -
12v + light feed

 

[rob05170]

I didn't have too much problem removing the clock. Someone mentioned you have to remove the dash top. This isn't necessary. Just popped out the infotainment display. Used a miniature stubby pozi drive screwdriver to get to the back of the 4 screws holding it in. Took me around 10 minutes.

 

[davidhowson]

I have successfully used an external el driver to repair the back light. It is a fiddly job with some very careful soldering, but it can be done. The back lit panel is just el sheet as standard with two connections to the PSB inside the clock at the top. By cutting the internal supply at this point and then soldering two wires running to the external el driver and connecting this to the original wiring, it will light up again.


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[2b1ask1]

Excellent David, do you have any details of the EL driver you used?

 

[davidhowson]

Try eBay item 152065675391 I think this is virtually the same unit I used. Clearly it sits outside the clock!


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