What to do with broken instrument panel?

[bigbob77]

Someone at work bought an X-Type that needs a couple of ABS sensors (according to ECU error codes), although the dashboard warning light isn't on.
I had a look with him and we both thought the previous owner had done the old trick of covering the bulb with electrical tape , so I helped him dismantle the instrument panel... The guy must have been out of tape because the bulb is smashed, and it's not replaceable - micro LED welded into circuit board .

Replacement dashboard is not a good option - he actually bought one off ebay, but it needs programmed to work with the car. Jaguar want over £300 for the job, car is 10 years old so he's reluctant... Nobody else local that we can find has the equipment to do it.

I thought about offering to solder some new bulbs on myself - but I've never attempted anything that small before and I don't want to disable his car!

He needs to sort this before MOT time or they might have something to say about his disabled ABS light.

Any suggestions?

Edited by bigbob77 on Tuesday 10th May 19:55

[TheEnd]

"solder"
It's possible to solder a new one in, I've seen quite a few cases now where people rip the LEDs out instead.
It makes it harder to repair, but still possible, and I guess you have nothing to lose.

[Parrot of Doom]

I've soldered such things in the past, it isn't difficult, you just need a very narrow tipped soldering iron, a magnifying glass, a pair of tweezers, and steady hands.

This is presuming you've soldered plenty of things before. If you haven't, then give the job to someone who has. The last thing your friend needs is a circuit with lifted tracks.

[bigbob77]

Oops, I meant solder and feel stupid now

I've soldered my way out of a few car problems in the past - but never anything this small and delicate...

[chris1roll]

http://clusterrepairsuk.co.uk/repair-list-dyna/95/...

I found this site the other night when looking for some way to sort the LCD panels on my fathers E class.
We haven't used them yet though, and it seems they are closed for a couple of weeks.
Any one else got any experience of them?

[TRUENOSAM]

I bet it doesnt need ABS sensors. If its a 2.5 or 3.0 My money would be on the rear abs rings have rotten and cracked off the drive shafts