Instrument Cluster Bubble

[Techguy817]

Hi All,

My driver instrument cluster has a bubble in it (March 2015 RWD). I understand that this is a known issue that develops over time and the only way to fix it is to replace it. I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction on:

- Which instrument cluster version do I replace it with? GEN1 vs GEN2?
- Is any kind of reprogramming required? If so how is that performed?
- Any docs, videos, etc. that help with the process

Thanks in advance!

 

[Greengolfer]

Are you out of time/mileage on your warranty. I had the same issue on my 2014 P85, and it was replaced per warranty.

 

[Techguy817]

Yes out of warranty. 105K+ total miles. I think the service center originally quoted me like $1,500+ to replace. Would like to do it myself if possible.

 

[Shadious]

Replacing instrument cluster

 

[FoxSTL2HOU]

In the past week, our bubbles grew exponentially so have to finally resolve this...

I've seen posts describing three methods for resolution:

Option A: Remove glass and clean yourself (Instrument Cluster Bubbling/Dripping Glue FIX) - cost of tools/expendables, messiest, most time, most risky (damaging LCD and/or glass)

Option B: Order non-bubbled IC and swap IC motherboards (Replacing instrument cluster) - cost of new display ($300ish per today's eBay), time/risk associated with dash/trim removal

Option C: Tesla service replaces IC - cost based on Tesla quote of the day, $1600ish. Mobile Ranger capable or service center required?

Is my summary correct? Any other options I should be looking at?

 

[Shadious]

There is a guy selling new screens for about $300. Not sure about the quality, though. @uscgreel might be able to give more information. If that was an option when I bought my used EBay one, I would have likely gone that route...

 

[Gixx1300R]

I removed my IC , separated the glass and scraped off all of the adhesive, reassembled and it has been working fine ever since. That was over a year ago

 

[FoxSTL2HOU]

I removed my IC , separated the glass and scraped off all of the adhesive, reassembled and it has been working fine ever since. That was over a year ago

What would you say was the total turnaround time?

When I presented the options to my wife (its her daily driver), she initially said "I'll pay the money to have Tesla do it to avoid you cursing at the car for hours." Hopefully it being less of a time suck can help convince her otherwise.

 

[Gixx1300R]

What would you say was the total turnaround time?

When I presented the options to my wife (its her daily driver), she initially said "I'll pay the money to have Tesla do it to avoid you cursing at the car for hours." Hopefully it being less of a time suck can help convince her otherwise.

It takes all day, I call the adhesive "Devil's Snot" it is hard to remove. I used a plastic scraper, adhesive remover with rubbing alcohol.

 

[Shadious]

It takes all day, I call the adhesive "Devil's Snot" it is hard to remove. I used a plastic scraper, adhesive remover with rubbing alcohol.

That adhesive is terrible- I only had a few drops to clean up and it took longer than I had patience for. The $250 was well worth my time!

 

[Gixx1300R]

That adhesive is terrible- I only had a few drops to clean up and it took longer than I had patience for. The $250 was well worth my time!

The issue with buying another IC is that it can happen again unless you seal the outer edges before you install it

 

[Shadious]

The issue with buying another IC is that it can happen again unless you seal the outer edges before you install it

It is possible for sure. My car spends a lot of its time in the garage since. I work from home. I did not seal the edges, not even sure what I would use..

 

[Gixx1300R]

It is possible for sure. My car spends a lot of its time in the garage since. I work from home. I did not seal the edges, not even sure what I would use..

Epoxy

 

[CravingMender9]

Will it help to protect it if we seal it when the screen already has a tiny bubble, to prevent it from growing bigger?

 

[Gixx1300R]

Will it help to protect it if we seal it when the screen already has a tiny bubble, to prevent it from growing bigger?

yep

 

[MINInDalila]

Will it help to protect it if we seal it when the screen already has a tiny bubble, to prevent it from growing bigger?

How would one go about to do this? Any DIY tips, please?

 

[CravingMender9]

How would one go about to do this? Any DIY tips, please?

I haven't done it yet. Will do it when I open the dash up for eMMC replacement. It is easy to remove with the dash already open. Have already done it before for LTE upgrade. Also refer to this excellent thread by @Shadious Replacing instrument cluster when I do it. Basically once the IC is out, I plan to take the screen off the IC body/circuit and use epoxy on the edges. It won't fix the bubble that's already there, but should prevent further damage.

Just waiting for the COVID situation to slow down before I open it and reach out to wk057's shop (if open) for the eMMC replacement.

 

[Techguy817]

Got it done recently. Swapped the old screen with a newer good screen keeping my board and other parts so I didn't have to push out any software updates. Went fairly smoothly.

 

[titkat]

Yes out of warranty. 105K+ total miles. I think the service center originally quoted me like $1,500+ to replace. Would like to do it myself if possible.

Can we have a class action lawsuit against Tesla to have this defective OEM piece replaced for free?

 

[titkat]

Got it done recently. Swapped the old screen with a newer good screen keeping my board and other parts so I didn't have to push out any software updates. Went fairly smoothly.

Can we have a class action lawsuit against Tesla to have this defective OEM piece replaced for free?