Group Buy for LCD? $66 for those with heat related fading.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
If you are sure it does not work send it back so I can test it. I am going to email the company in a few minutes with the pictures to try to find out whats going on. Since we have two defective ones I guess I will take the one out of my car and send it to one of you and the other gets the extra. You both have my address as well as make sure to insure them since they are fragile as well as pack in original antistatic sheet. I insured them for $75 so I would do the same.
BTW I am going to go take some more pictures of the installation as well as test the extra screen.
BTW I am going to go take some more pictures of the installation as well as test the extra screen.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Ok so I found out some interesting stuff.
So here are three pictures
First is my screen
Second is what happens if connector is a little loose even though it looks ok
Third is placement of screen the little tab thing goes to your right when looking straight on.
I also took a video which is hard by myself so forgive the bad quality I was using one finger to move the connector around.
http://youtu.be/3Oa5xCAqgAI
I could make the screen look just like the 2nd picture but could not get it on video by myself. I also got the screen to display nothing like both of you if only one tab was locked and the other was almost locked. You really have to have someone help hold the connector and IC while someone else pinches both tabs down at the exact same time or the connector moves causing issues. Oh and if you pinch/ bend the lcd cable itself it changes what the screen looks like so check for pinch points.
So here are three pictures
First is my screen
Second is what happens if connector is a little loose even though it looks ok
Third is placement of screen the little tab thing goes to your right when looking straight on.
I also took a video which is hard by myself so forgive the bad quality I was using one finger to move the connector around.
http://youtu.be/3Oa5xCAqgAI
I could make the screen look just like the 2nd picture but could not get it on video by myself. I also got the screen to display nothing like both of you if only one tab was locked and the other was almost locked. You really have to have someone help hold the connector and IC while someone else pinches both tabs down at the exact same time or the connector moves causing issues. Oh and if you pinch/ bend the lcd cable itself it changes what the screen looks like so check for pinch points.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
BTW figured you would be interested when the screen has voltage issues they look like this
well this is what the Chinese company said and it would stay like this forever
well this is what the Chinese company said and it would stay like this forever
Last edited by samaritrey; Mar 15, 2012 at 11:45 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 6
From: New Orleans, LA
C230K Sedan
Trey,
I think I have found the problem.
After very very very careful inspection with a magnify glasses.
I found that the little resister that is connected to this end its hanging on by a thread. looks like it wants to fall off? So I think I have a defective one.
I'll go ahead and ship this thing back to you first thing in the morning and wait to see what the company says.
I think I have found the problem.
After very very very careful inspection with a magnify glasses.
I found that the little resister that is connected to this end its hanging on by a thread. looks like it wants to fall off? So I think I have a defective one.
I'll go ahead and ship this thing back to you first thing in the morning and wait to see what the company says.
Last edited by hahaitzmickey; Mar 16, 2012 at 12:24 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Hmmm....well looks like Mickey might beat me to it.
Will Minitools.it exchange them if they are defective?
I feel I had the connector in right since each time, I took it out and put the old one back in, it worked fine.
Is it possible I'm putting it in too far?
I'll try leaving a little play in the connector black plastic things, tweak the position of
the cable, side to side see if it can get it work. But like I said, put the original back in and it works.
I'll give it one more try tomorrow.
I'm sure they are other people who haven't yet tried there displays.
If we end up with defective ones I'm sure you'd want to return them all together.
Will Minitools.it exchange them if they are defective?
I feel I had the connector in right since each time, I took it out and put the old one back in, it worked fine.
Is it possible I'm putting it in too far?
I'll try leaving a little play in the connector black plastic things, tweak the position of
the cable, side to side see if it can get it work. But like I said, put the original back in and it works.
I'll give it one more try tomorrow.
I'm sure they are other people who haven't yet tried there displays.
If we end up with defective ones I'm sure you'd want to return them all together.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Mar 16, 2012 at 02:32 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
Previously, I tried (I think) one of the Chinese ones and I got similar results...it wall too bright. It did appear to have some lettering, but the background was too bright. I do recall when messing with it that the contacts are very important. You might want to try some contact cleaner (isopropyl alcohol) or as someone had mentioned before, put a little tape or film on the back side of the contacts. That way it will press harder when the lock is in place.
Good luck guys. I'm gonna drive my car tomorrow for the first time and see how it all goes. My old one would fade even when it was only 60 degrees outside.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Crapola- We don't have much time! Found this in the back of the pdf version of their catalog.
BTW- the catalog is quite extensive! I wondered if any of those plastic gears might work for the
sunroof?
http://www.mte.net/sites/default/files/minitools-en.pdf
9. REQUEST TO RETURN GOODS
The request to return goods must be made with
Savi Elettronica srl within 10 days after receipt
of the goods*, indicating the reason and specifying
the invoice references of the purchase.
In case the goods were wrongly ordered by the client,
it will be up to Savi Elettronica srl’s discretion to authorize
a possible return of the goods. The goods must
be returned undamaged, in the original or equivalent
packaging, complete with accessories and protected by
adequate packaging. Goods returned without these requirements,
will be returned to sender.
10. COMPLAINTS
Any mistakes in shipping or lack of goods mentioned on
the order, must promptly be mentioned to Savi Elettronica
srl, quoting the invoice number and the details of
the order.
11. GUARANTEES
Savi Elettronica srl guarantees its products, based on
the conditions set in Italian law. All products are guaranteed
for 12 months against manufacturer’s defects.
The present guarantee does not cover damage caused
by: neglect, faulty installation, repair or maintenance
work wrongly executed by non-qualified personnel,
unauthorized modification, any damage caused during
transport. For products called “flat parts”, we also have
the added guarantee of swapping the products even in
case the product has been damaged following faulty installation.
* 10 days after Trey received them! How much time is left?
Christ you need to get an RMA by TOMORROW! The 10th day is Sat.
Then again, they say they warranty for 12 months.
Everyone better test their displays ASAP.
BTW- the catalog is quite extensive! I wondered if any of those plastic gears might work for the
sunroof?
http://www.mte.net/sites/default/files/minitools-en.pdf
9. REQUEST TO RETURN GOODS
The request to return goods must be made with
Savi Elettronica srl within 10 days after receipt
of the goods*, indicating the reason and specifying
the invoice references of the purchase.
In case the goods were wrongly ordered by the client,
it will be up to Savi Elettronica srl’s discretion to authorize
a possible return of the goods. The goods must
be returned undamaged, in the original or equivalent
packaging, complete with accessories and protected by
adequate packaging. Goods returned without these requirements,
will be returned to sender.
10. COMPLAINTS
Any mistakes in shipping or lack of goods mentioned on
the order, must promptly be mentioned to Savi Elettronica
srl, quoting the invoice number and the details of
the order.
11. GUARANTEES
Savi Elettronica srl guarantees its products, based on
the conditions set in Italian law. All products are guaranteed
for 12 months against manufacturer’s defects.
The present guarantee does not cover damage caused
by: neglect, faulty installation, repair or maintenance
work wrongly executed by non-qualified personnel,
unauthorized modification, any damage caused during
transport. For products called “flat parts”, we also have
the added guarantee of swapping the products even in
case the product has been damaged following faulty installation.
* 10 days after Trey received them! How much time is left?
Christ you need to get an RMA by TOMORROW! The 10th day is Sat.
Then again, they say they warranty for 12 months.
Everyone better test their displays ASAP.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Mar 16, 2012 at 02:40 AM.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Well, it was fun while it lasted. I think that whoever said that the little two-wire thingy is the problem is probably correct.
Installed it, and display went up correctly (tucked the thingy in the bottom so it didn't just hang there, ie, no teabagging in the display), except for the SRS, Airbag, and Display Error warnings came up (DE warning is a pretty cool arrow that looks like the decal on Air Force helmets, but I digress...).
So removed it, redid it twice, and both with the same thing - the bright orange display that 230SC got. So, out of complete paranoia, I quickly put everything back to normal with the old one, and it works fine, except for the SRS warning, which I'm sure will reset itself in due time (and yes, reset the clock to normal).
So Trey, I appreciate your hard work on this, but I would like another penny back from you for my trouble.
It was a worthy effort, but sh*t happens. Good thing that I replaced it before with a stock piece before, and it's still showing fine. If it does get worse, I'll probably try to track down another low mile cluster and swap out the OEM screen.
PS - that little gray plastic bar you raise up to remove the tail of the screen is very fragile. Don't ask me how I know.
Installed it, and display went up correctly (tucked the thingy in the bottom so it didn't just hang there, ie, no teabagging in the display), except for the SRS, Airbag, and Display Error warnings came up (DE warning is a pretty cool arrow that looks like the decal on Air Force helmets, but I digress...).
So removed it, redid it twice, and both with the same thing - the bright orange display that 230SC got. So, out of complete paranoia, I quickly put everything back to normal with the old one, and it works fine, except for the SRS warning, which I'm sure will reset itself in due time (and yes, reset the clock to normal).
So Trey, I appreciate your hard work on this, but I would like another penny back from you for my trouble.
It was a worthy effort, but sh*t happens. Good thing that I replaced it before with a stock piece before, and it's still showing fine. If it does get worse, I'll probably try to track down another low mile cluster and swap out the OEM screen.PS - that little gray plastic bar you raise up to remove the tail of the screen is very fragile. Don't ask me how I know.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
How the heck did you get an SRS warning that makes no sense at all. So we have 3 defective ones so far correct.
Ok sent off an email saying that there were 3 screens so far that don't work correctly but I need more time to test all of them.
and what do you guys want refunds or new screens?
Ok sent off an email saying that there were 3 screens so far that don't work correctly but I need more time to test all of them.
and what do you guys want refunds or new screens?
Last edited by samaritrey; Mar 16, 2012 at 01:55 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
2004 C240 4Matic
How the heck did you get an SRS warning that makes no sense at all. So we have 3 defective ones so far correct.
Ok sent off an email saying that there were 3 screens so far that don't work correctly but I need more time to test all of them.
and what do you guys want refunds or new screens?
Ok sent off an email saying that there were 3 screens so far that don't work correctly but I need more time to test all of them.
and what do you guys want refunds or new screens?
While your in contact with them, if you get a chance, as them why they can't cut the glass properly so the polarization is correct? lol
With all this that some people are having problems with it, I will live with the polarization issue, not that I wear sun glasses that much anyways.
On another note, Trey, will you be around this weekend to scan my car with Star to see if any more error codes came up?
Thanks again for your hard work.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I don't really want another one, and if you're going to get a refund, keep it as a tip for your trouble. Unless the design is different on newer ones, I would think that the same problem would occur.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
OK Tommy just send it back and no I won't keep your money you will need it to fix something very soon I am sure 
lol
and
I will be around this weekend Sunday would be best for me so give me a call or txt.
lol and
I will be around this weekend Sunday would be best for me so give me a call or txt.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Spring, TX
C300 4Matic
I was kinda worried this morning since I had the comeplete orange screen at first yesterday when putting mine in but eventually got it to work. Got in the car this morning and it was still working fine.
I did try out sunglasses this morning that say they are polarized. I can atleast while sitting in the passenger seat my display is still readable. Grant it's not as clear as without glasses but it definitely could be seen. We'll see what the ride home from works brings.
I did try out sunglasses this morning that say they are polarized. I can atleast while sitting in the passenger seat my display is still readable. Grant it's not as clear as without glasses but it definitely could be seen. We'll see what the ride home from works brings.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I'll make one more run at it. I noticed in the Minitools catalog for another model/year they had 2 voltages to chose from and instructions on how to check it.
You say I have your address? Where?
Yeah, if it doesn't work today, I'll send it back.
I don't expect to get the shipping back. Thanks for the effort.
My existing screen is readable most of the time. In fact, reseating the
connector, it seems to be clearer than ever!
It's not as bad as some around here, but figured down the road, I''d regret not getting in on the group buy.
Anyone remember $550 AMG brake kits? Or how about $550 Supersprint headers?
I missed both of those.
You say I have your address? Where?
Yeah, if it doesn't work today, I'll send it back.
I don't expect to get the shipping back. Thanks for the effort.
My existing screen is readable most of the time. In fact, reseating the
connector, it seems to be clearer than ever!
It's not as bad as some around here, but figured down the road, I''d regret not getting in on the group buy.
Anyone remember $550 AMG brake kits? Or how about $550 Supersprint headers?
I missed both of those.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Mar 16, 2012 at 03:00 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
C230K - sold
Before & After
So I went ahead and installed mine given some might be DOA.
My old one wasn't all that bad before, mostly the top row was much less bright or full when hot, but looked fine when cooled.
The 82 degree "before" shot shown was outside high noon - interior from sitting in bright sun March 14 in Syracuse...outside it was a record 70 ish...
I can see the new one while uniform all over, is also a little brighter overall too. The "after" shot is in a dark garage (Mar 16, 18:00) so the Iphone shots look way different.
Regarding defective ones the group is finding? We are all in this as a group IMHO. Thanks for the interface for us all, and your continued working out the defect issues for the unlucky few.
Once you know the fees ......those of us who got usable units all can anti up the small change to make you whole...for the return freight and losses the $5 or $10 more to make you and/or the few defective folks paid up & whole. It is just bad luck to those who got a defect, still with a little more fee to the working ones, we still got a great deal!
Ps. the change went very easy per the DIY post...I was less than 1/2 hour start - finish.
My old one wasn't all that bad before, mostly the top row was much less bright or full when hot, but looked fine when cooled.
The 82 degree "before" shot shown was outside high noon - interior from sitting in bright sun March 14 in Syracuse...outside it was a record 70 ish...
I can see the new one while uniform all over, is also a little brighter overall too. The "after" shot is in a dark garage (Mar 16, 18:00) so the Iphone shots look way different.
Regarding defective ones the group is finding? We are all in this as a group IMHO. Thanks for the interface for us all, and your continued working out the defect issues for the unlucky few.
Once you know the fees ......those of us who got usable units all can anti up the small change to make you whole...for the return freight and losses the $5 or $10 more to make you and/or the few defective folks paid up & whole. It is just bad luck to those who got a defect, still with a little more fee to the working ones, we still got a great deal!
Ps. the change went very easy per the DIY post...I was less than 1/2 hour start - finish.
Last edited by NYFlapjack2; Mar 28, 2014 at 10:39 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 6
From: New Orleans, LA
C230K Sedan
How the heck did you get an SRS warning that makes no sense at all. So we have 3 defective ones so far correct.
Ok sent off an email saying that there were 3 screens so far that don't work correctly but I need more time to test all of them.
and what do you guys want refunds or new screens?
Ok sent off an email saying that there were 3 screens so far that don't work correctly but I need more time to test all of them.
and what do you guys want refunds or new screens?
I'll take a new screen
about to start driving back and forth to miami for school. Its super duper hot down there. If that other new screen you got works, i'll take that one or tell the company to ship me a new one.
Last edited by hahaitzmickey; Mar 16, 2012 at 08:40 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Well I am glad most people are not having an issue with them that makes me happy.
I do ask that everyone that gets one to please check it ASAP because we don't have much time. I know that one is going to Canada and last I checked it was still in new york and that the other one going to Canada is going there through Florida so I hope yours is fine.
Keep me updates as you install yours so I know I don't have to worry about you. I doubt I will get a response from the company till Monday so if you have time try to test it over the weekend.
I do ask that everyone that gets one to please check it ASAP because we don't have much time. I know that one is going to Canada and last I checked it was still in new york and that the other one going to Canada is going there through Florida so I hope yours is fine.
Keep me updates as you install yours so I know I don't have to worry about you. I doubt I will get a response from the company till Monday so if you have time try to test it over the weekend.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
Sorry to hear about the troubles with some and sorry for the headaches for Trey. When these things happen I'm usually one of the ones that gets the short end.
On a side note, I drove mine today and all's well. I did notice the "W" in the upper right hand corner that has been illegible for well over a year...wondering how long it has been driving in the winter mode
On a side note, I drove mine today and all's well. I did notice the "W" in the upper right hand corner that has been illegible for well over a year...wondering how long it has been driving in the winter mode
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Spring, TX
C300 4Matic
So far so good with mine although ever since I put mine in the radio has started cutting the sound in an out. Sounds worked fine the monring after but come that afternoon is when it started so I don't know if there is any way they can be related or not.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Trey - will be sending mine back after work tonight. Still have the SRS malfunction, but don't think it is related, even though it happened at the exact time I switched out the screen. I guess I'll have to take it in shortly. 
