Maxidot/DIS/Centre Console fading!

[BrilliantBlack]

Hi all,

Just something I noticed today during the journey home today in the really hot weather. The centre display between the clocks/tach/speedo.. think its called DIS when I've done a forum search. Mine is fading a little. Anyone else got this? - Is it a known prob on a 99.5+ (T reg)?

Worth me replacing the enitire unit (lol.. look for the post later this year)!

I've searched the forums without too many mentioning it. Any advise on the subject would be great.

Thanks,
Nige

[KayGee]

Er in a word yes it is a really common problem, on all Audis with a DIS, not just S4s. Replacements are expensive unless you have Audi Warranty and will fail again, some of the US guys have had three or four DIS displays. Heat related OK when cold, fade as they get hotter. Someone on Audiworld is looking at an aftermarket replacement solution. Search for DIS fading on their S4 B5 forum and you'll find it.

Rgds

Kaygee

[UKS4APR1]

It's well documented here on modifiedA4's website
http://www.modifieda4.com/web/misc/trip-display.html

[GrahamS4]

Fontain told me the one in my car was faded prior to be buying it (never did actually drive it!) and replaced it for me in the deal. I have a receipt with it on - can't remember the cost though. Mines a '98 so probably as early as they come.

[tartan_rob]

Its the whole instrument pod that has to be changed.

[KayGee]

Update from the guy looking into this project.

Hi Kevin!
No, i have not given up.
Actually the project has a big chance of success as all i have left is to implement a high speed FIFO buffer and it should work. After that the next challenge would be to manufacture a board small enough to fit somewhere in the cluster or in the back of it.
I just suspended work on the project because i took 19 credit hours in the summer to get my bachelors finished.
In case i give up this project i will publish all my discovered info for free and let somebody else take over.
For now, i am going to resume work on the project after school is done. at the end of August. Quite a few people have contacted me about this and i have a strong motivation to get it done.
Alin.

[arS4]

Yeh, mine's got this too. A "feature" of the Audi

Shame you can't retrofit a B6/B7 DIS into the same space. Even though it's colour (and not potentially available), a "monochrmoe" use for hte same display may be better....

Dan