The illumination on the speedometer dial in my Yeti's dash seems to be have developed a fault.  It looks like a bulb or LED has failed at around the 10 o'clock position.  I first noticed something wrong last weekend, but it seemed to fix itself after a while.  Last night, though, it was permanently dim in the upper left quadrant.

 

I believe I've read that instrument panel repairs can be very expensive - IIRC the general experience is that a Skoda garage will usually just replace the whole instrument cluster rather than try to repair an individual failed component.  Is there any way to get it fixed rather more cost-effectively?  It seems daft to bin an entire instrument cluster for what looks like just one failed LED/bulb - it might even be just a failed solder joint.

Edited 25 March, 20188 yr by ejstubbs

This is much cheaper than a replacement cluster.
https://cartronix.co.uk/product/skoda-yeti-speedometer-repair-dashboard-instrument-cluster-panel-failing/

Hmm.  That would seem to require me to remove the instrument cluster myself.  Any idea how difficult that job might be?

You are correct in that removal of the cluster is needed. Look on the bright side though. I had a lost cluster light problem on a VW Touran about 5 years ago and repair cost about £140 plus another £100 for removal and refit, a compartative bargain on a near 4 figure fee for a new cluster.

 

Colin

As well as having to remove the instrument panel (or paying someone to do it) I would be without the car for the time it would take to send the panel to Cartronix, them to refurb it and send it back to me.  Then the panel would have to be refitted.  That sounds to me as if I could be without the use of the car for a significant period of time 

 

I might try AutoHaus to see if they know someone more local who can repair the panel.

 

It's a pain that it should happen now because I've been considering getting one of the run-out Yetis, and a fault like this could knock a grand off the trade-in value of my current vehicle.  (It's already got some light paint damage on the offside front wing - my fault - that I have yet to get fixed.  And the tyres on the 17" wheels that I'd put back on are at the wear limit.)

Cartronix do a repair while you wait. They also offer to remove and refit the cluster (extra charge) but it's drive in drive out.

9 hours ago, ejstubbs said:

It's already got some light paint damage on the offside front wing - my fault - that I have yet to get fixed.

 

As you're not far away, I can thoroughly recommend:

Steve Walker Bodyshop

13 Inchmuir Road

Whitehill Industrial Estate

Bathgate, EH48 2EP

Tel: 01506 633471 

As it happens, that's precisely where I've been planning to take it!  I've had two appointments and had to cancel them both due to clashing work commitments cropping up.  And they've been terribly nice about it both times.  I must make a point of getting in touch with them again.

 

I don't suppose you know any independent VAG specialists in the Edinburgh area I could get in touch with to see if they could fix my instrument cluster?  I know of Autohaus in Loanhead, Bellingham Motors on Broughton Street Lane, Witherspoon's near the Gallery of Modern Art, and one on Clockmill Lane the name of which escapes me.  Actually that's four, which I suppose is a good enough starting point.  I just need to get on and do it!

4 minutes ago, ejstubbs said:

As it happens, that's precisely where I've been planning to take it!  I've had two appointments and had to cancel them both due to clashing work commitments cropping up.  And they've been terribly nice about it both times.  I must make a point of getting in touch with them again.

 

I don't suppose you know any independent VAG specialists in the Edinburgh area I could get in touch with to see if they could fix my instrument cluster?  I know of Autohaus in Loanhead, Bellingham Motors on Broughton Street Lane, Witherspoon's near the Gallery of Modern Art, and one on Clockmill Lane the name of which escapes me.  Actually that's four, which I suppose is a good enough starting point.  I just need to get on and do it!

 

Steve Walker is open till 7pm most evenings.

 

You could try:

MKS Performance

Cushat Gardens

Mayfield

Dalkeith

Edinburgh

Midlothian

Scotland

EH22 5RQ

07432-686-481

http://www.mksperformance.co.uk

Thanks, I'll add them to the list.

14 hours ago, RickT said:

Cartronix do a repair while you wait. They also offer to remove and refit the cluster (extra charge) but it's drive in drive out.

 

Which is all very fine and dandy, but they're 400 miles away!  Or maybe it's me that's 400 miles away from them?

 

Either way, doing it sensibly would involve two overnight stops.  Include accommodation and fuel costs and it all starts to add up...

^  yeah but just think of the trip experience  ; - D)

Edited 27 March, 20188 yr by Frenchtone

On 26/03/2018 at 11:22, ejstubbs said:

As well as having to remove the instrument panel (or paying someone to do it) I would be without the car for the time it would take to send the panel to Cartronix, them to refurb it and send it back to me.  Then the panel would have to be refitted.  That sounds to me as if I could be without the use of the car for a significant period of time 

 

I might try AutoHaus to see if they know someone more local who can repair the panel.

 

It's a pain that it should happen now because I've been considering getting one of the run-out Yetis, and a fault like this could knock a grand off the trade-in value of my current vehicle.  (It's already got some light paint damage on the offside front wing - my fault - that I have yet to get fixed.  And the tyres on the 17" wheels that I'd put back on are at the wear limit.)

They'd certainly notice the paint/bodywork damage, but i'd be amazed if a main dealer picked up on blown build in the dash board. I'd trade-in as is and take the risk they won't notice it

Is it just me, or does this just not illustrate the moronic 'progress' of todays cars. 

Everything is designed to be as difficult  as possible to rectify, with the ultimate answer seeming  to be "It will have to go to the dealer or a specialist repairer" along with a whacking great bill. 

It can't be that difficult, surely to remove an instrument cluster and replace a 3 quid bulb? I'd certainly be doing it. 

 

Well they didn't notice the shot wheel bearing/driveshaft noise, failed ventilation fan flap, rusted through exhaust, worn shocks etc on wifes Mk1 Fabia when they took it in as part exchange; Hardly likely to spot a blown led in the dash?

18 minutes ago, FurryFriend said:

Is it just me, or does this just not illustrate the moronic 'progress' of todays cars. 

Everything is designed to be as difficult  as possible to rectify, with the ultimate answer seeming  to be "It will have to go to the dealer or a specialist repairer" along with a whacking great bill. 

It can't be that difficult, surely to remove an instrument cluster and replace a 3 quid bulb? I'd certainly be doing it. 

 

But it isn't a simple £3 bulb, but a soldered in 10p LED.

And why, because it is easier and cheaper to produce, therefore keeping prices lower.

When I part-ex'ed both Roomsters, the dealer seemed more interested in service history than condition!  Minor damage to wheels and bumper were dismissed as "easy to put right".  Dealer examination of both cars was limited to visual appraisal - plus an engine start to check for warning lights.  No road test.  Dealer's overwhelming interest was in getting a sale.

 

To @ejstubbs I would suggest submitting the car exactly as it is and see what deal you can make.

Yeah, crackers. 

We had an imported Nissan prior to this. 

Speedo unit removal was quoted as a full days job. We did it in 2 hours and replaced the whole bulb set. 

I own a good electrical tool kit, and a precision soldering iron, so I would be confident of tackling it. It's a bulb.. Just a bulb. 

It's actually given me a business idea. Thanks. 

 

Edited 31 March, 20188 yr by FurryFriend