Dashboard Lights (Mileage Display)

[NellGwyn]

I need some help and assistance, please.

My lovely orange 206 has been off the road for over a year as I needed a complete new exhaust system (which has now been sourced and fitted for less than £300 which is a bargain in my book) but when the mechanic fitted the exhaust the battery needed to be replaced at the same time. Still not back on the road just yet as clutch bearing has gone and that needs replacing, which is taking place in the next few months.

But as I can now start the car which is something I could not do a few months ago, I noticed that the lights behind the mileage display on the dashboard are not working (only displays some of the numbers). It looks like the blub properly needs replacing but need some advise from other users first in case this is something else that needs replacing.

It has been suggested by other that I just get rid of the car but I love my 206 and don't want to get shot of it just yet.

[mattau]

Did you get anywhere with this problem?
I've just bought a 206cc with the same issue.
I read somewhere about there being a connector problem which can cause this. I presume it means inside the dash display unit, but haven't found full details yet!
The dash cover comes off quite easy, and the dash display unit is just held in place with one torx screw.
There are then 2 cable plugs to disconnect and the display unit comes off.
I looked at the bulbs corresponding to the back of the mileage display on mine and they looked ok. Might replace them anyway as they are cheap enough, and if that turns out to be the problem then it will be nice and easy.
If you have some light, and some numbers however, i think it more likely to be a connector issue internally.
I'm going to take the display unit apart when i have time (been working on roof/boot problems first!), so if i can find out what might be up, i will let you know.

[mattau]

Just wanted to update thread.
I replaced a couple of bulbs and still nothing, however after taking dash apart I saw the ribbon that connects circuit board to mileage was peeling away.
I have stuck it back down but it needs a more permanent fix. Applying pressure you can read the mileage however I need to find something to wedge to give permanent pressure. Im not sure if that sort of ribbon can be soldered. Otherwise it might be a case of finding a scrappy with a similar milage dash!

[shadow]

they are like computer ribbons they just slot into place,you might just get away with changing the ribbon if you can find one at a scrappy

[mattau]

They don't appear to have plugs at the end like computer ribbons though. It aplears to be glued onto the circuit board, and after so many years I guess the heat dries it out.
I think I need to take it apart again so will try and post a pic.

[shadow]

not all ribbons have a plug some just use the slot for fixing

[mattau]

Well i have managed to get my mileage to show finally!
As the ribbon was completely unstuck from the back of the circuit board, it needed a combination of being stuck back in place, and also being wedged in place to keep pressure on it.
I dare say there may be a "proper" electrical fix, but i have nothing to solder that fine, and was worried about melting the ribbon and causing further damage.
Prices for 2nd hand units don't appear to be cheap, even if you can find one that has a close enough mileage. Most of the ones i could see on ebay were single plug displays, and i needed a twin plug.
The exact method used was to gaffer tape the ribbon back in place, with some blu-tac behind it inside the dash casing to add some pressure. I have then used duct tape to pull the casing tightly closed and inside the dash housing.
It's not pretty, but it's not visible once the dash cover is in place!
And more importantly... it works!