Kawasaki STX-15F JetSki MFD Repair

In this video we look at a Kawasaki STX-15F Jet Ski MFD Display that is not working. This display belongs to a friend (AAron) at work and he ask if we would take a look at it. He let us know the MFD is dark and the Jet Ski is in a Limp or Slow mode and the Slow mode seems to have happened once the MFD stopped working. We learn as we go in this video, as mentioned in video, it is some things that most likely should be done differently and possibly better results. If you find we missed something or have any ideas on repair please share in the comments below and the community around this will appreciate it. After we cleaned corrosion, replaced the LCD polarized film and also replaced the 13mm tactile push buttons we actually did get this display working again and saved my friend about $1000. These things are a common failure point and they are very expensive.
I have many Links below I hope you find informational and helpful. Thanks for watching!
Kawasaki Jet Ski Manual Link if needed:
manualsbrain.c...
usermanual.wik...
Wiring Diagram as showed in video if needed:
www.justanswer...
eBay Link to 13mm Tactile Push Buttons if needed:
ebay.us/g7hvM3
eBay Link to Polarized film sheets used in this video if needed:
ebay.us/u3S7hL
Amazon Link to Polarized Film Sheet similar to used in video:
amzn.to/3O2fK1N
Amazon Affiliate links to some of my favorite Tools/Items if interested:
Any links you click on helps support the Channel and I greatly appreciate it!
Amazon Link to replacement shift bulb if needed:
amzn.to/42PgoIk
DeWalt Cordless Gyroscopic Screwdriver if needed: amzn.to/3Eevk8f
TOMLOV DM202 MAX Microscope if needed: amzn.to/3Uy0RIF
Cheap Spot Welder Board if needed: amzn.to/3WcRwWA
200MHZ Rigol DS1202Z-E scope if needed: amzn.to/35UVTLI
Weller 200W Iron if needed: amzn.to/30nzhT2
Hakko 888D Iron if needed: amzn.to/36TDWyv
Conical Bent Hakko Tip if needed: amzn.to/3B57IjD
ProStormer Hot Air Station if needed: amzn.to/3XIiKEY
Desoldering Gun if Needed: amzn.to/2SOTVIM
Extra Long Security bits if needed: amzn.to/3KVQNGQ
0-60V 0-5A Power Supply if needed: amzn.to/4158YzL
Northridge Fix Affiliate Links. Any purchase you make with below links helps support the channel. Thanks for your support!
NF AMTECH NC-559-V2 Flux 10mL if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Low Melt Solder PK of 6 sticks if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Premium Desolder Braid Wick if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Dual Head ESD Safe Hard Cleaning Brush if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Mechanic Tweezers if needed:
northridgefix....
500 Port Charging Port connectors if needed:
northridgefix....
SMD Capacitors and Resistors Component Binders if needed:
northridgefix....
Solder wire 100g 60/40 if needed:
northridgefix....
NF.Mini Soldering Pen if needed:
northridgefix....
NF V2.3 Microscope if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Microscope Articulating arm if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Microscope Anti Glare Light if needed:
northridgefix....
NF.Short Voltage Injection tool if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Universal Board Holder if needed:
northridgefix....
NF Grinding Pen with 7 tips if needed:
northridgefix....

[@lucaspatterson]

Awesome video! Been looking for a tutorial on this with the outrageous prices people charge online for replacements! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@The_Brew_Dog]

To me this is what KZbin is all about. Nice work sir.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@The_Brew_Dog]

@@ThriftyToolShedwondering if you have any more suggestions, I’m only getting bits and pieces of the screen when I power it up. This one isn’t sun burnt like your buddies was, the polarized film looks pretty good. The board itself was rough though, a lot of rust that made it down to the pins throughout the whole board. Cleaning the zebra strip helped quite a bit, I went from almost zero screen image to 50% but not sure what else I can do. My guess is this is where the problem is, ordered some silicon conductive strip to see if maybe replacing that helps. I don’t think it’s the lcd screen itself that’s the problem but I’m basing that off pure guessing power.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

@@The_Brew_Dog I would lean the exact direction you are going. I would try new elastomeric strips and see if that helps. I was going to suggest a really good cleaning first and it sounds as if you have already done that. Best of luck to ya!

[@The_Brew_Dog]

@@ThriftyToolShed figured it was worth asking to see if you had any other tricks up your sleeve. Thanks all the same.

[@kevincresswell5272]

I will try this for my Kawasaki 1100 display. thank you for the video.

[@fff3136]

Thanks boss just tore mine apart new film I can see the whole screen again.

[@HanzoAnssorri]

Hi, man that was the most detailed educational video I've ever watched about this issue, I'm amazed that you didn't have any experience earlier and just tried it out while filming it, thanks much and keep these amazing videos going...

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Thank you so much for your very kind comment!

[@TheZ31Dude]

So glad I found this video! Used displays for my gp1300r are $600+, repair services are $200-$400. Looks like this is something I can do myself for less than $50.

[@dfiegel421]

I have 3 units with the same issue. I’ll let you know the results and may start my on repair service on them. 👍👍

[@dfiegel421]

First one is apart 30 min after watching your video and it’s just like the one you repaired. Parts ordered and will be working soon. You the man!!!!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

So glad you found this helpful. Awesome job, thanks for sharing!

[@threecpete1]

I know crap about electronics but followed this and repaired my kawi stx 900 display. Works like a charm now. Thank you! I did have to buy a cheap power probe on Amazon just for testing.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Awesome job! Thanks for your comment!

[@hughhoman99]

Bravo!!!!!! This great!! I had bought a used replacement that went bad too. This saves a bunch of money!! Thank you!!

[@Tblagbro]

Great video, thanks so much for taking the time to make and upload this! This display is very similar to the Kawasaki Ultra 150 and they are also notorious for this kind of damage. I'm waiting on the polarized film to arrive, but I've got it disassembled thanks to your video. So far the main difference seems to be the Ultra 150 has a second glass screen rather than the film you peeled off, then the film is sandwiched in the middle.

[@Tblagbro]

Oh - and a set of plastic razor blades comes in really handy for peeling the film without damaging the LCD.

[@steveprice5664]

Great video! I'm going to look at some of the old displays I have laying around. One thing I would add is to smear some 3M 5200 Fast Cure around that rubber plug that goes into the back of the display. Also smear some around where the wires enter the plug. This will help keep water out if the 'Ski is ever flipped upside down.

[@rickgonzalez9983]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge! I just bought a 2005 Kawasaki STX15F with a sun damaged display and will be attempting a repair as you've illustrated. Thanks again this may definitely save me a bundle fixing it vs replacement!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

So glad it helped. Thanks for your kind comment. It was a surprisingly cheap fix. I wish you the best in repairing yours!

[@johnnyappleseed7798]

Dude you are so mellow and relaxed working that tiny POS Kawasaki part lol. I for one would have offered some choice vernacular to go with the repair. Well done.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Lol...

[@danielmarkle8823]

Lol funny but true !!

[@laulaupoi8083]

You are a very smart person and you know what you doing. This WAS VERY helpful to me as I am in the process of doing what you JUST did. Thank You

[@ThriftyToolShed]

So glad you found it helpful. Thanks for your kind comment!

[@romeomagaan82]

you just save me a bunch of money.. I just ordered the polarized film and I'll be doing this over the weekend.. thanks 👍

[@davidperez5332]

Nice job buddy! I have the same issue in the exact same Ski. Hopefully I can get er done

[@Transkomplekt59]

Hello friend! Many thanks to you from Russia ) The video helped a lot. There was no power on the panel. It turned out that there is a power-off key on the chip. I changed the film, the power was turned on by turning the key on the diagram. Who needs help write, I will tell you.

[@buddyle1]

Great video, awesome instruction....probably getting this done over the winter.

[@citruspressurewash]

Very helpful, I haven’t put it back together yet but so far so good 😊

[@noahm393]

Shoot this helped a ton. Followed step by step now my old not operational screen is like new. Thanks bud🤘🏻

[@AchikSarih]

Merci beaucoup ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sportsmanfever402]

I’m glad I came across this video I was just out to trash my unit dash

[@randallswanson5573]

great video! I love this... have this exact one and will be seeing what I can get done. Thanks for your knowledge and time on this - great work!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Thanks for your kind comment! Best of luck to ya!

[@danielmuanda4900]

bom trabalho👏👏👏👏

[@pierce9260]

Thanks for the video, going to do the same to mine.

[@thomasjanzen7005]

Great video and good work.

[@harrybeck8016]

Awesome work

[@charliedougan1459]

Great video. Anybody know how do I disassemble to get to the part? Thanks

[@citruspressurewash]

Amazing work!!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@Popeyes66]

Great fix bud.

[@totaltronics8775]

Full respect to you mate :)

[@fixinggoteasy]

Great video!! Amazing job !

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Thanks for your kind comment! I like your channel! Best of luck to ya!

[@fixinggoteasy]

@@ThriftyToolShed thank you!! , cheers

[@jacksontraynor]

hey, what’s that clear glass piece called.. mine cracked on me and i’m gonna try to look for a replacement

[@brandonvillaquiran7662]

Where can I get the silver reflective polo riding film?

[@hollywoodpressacco9034]

best video

[@miltonevans579]

You are good at what you do. You did a good job on this! I have mine apart now and will need to replace the 2 13mm Tactile switch. What type is needed.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

6x6x13mm. I have a link in the video description for the ones I used in this video. Thanks for your kind comment!

[@ernrodri2]

I attempted this on a Polaris jetski's MDF. There were 2 pieces of glass and I had black spots. It doesn't look like the actual LCD was damaged. Did this have 2 glass pieces?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

At around 7:30 in the video you can see the LCD removal. I had a clear lens with the gasket and after that I had the polarized film layer on front of the LCD itself. I don't believe you want to take it apart further than that. That would be the LCD glued together itself I believe. Best of luck to ya!

[@BillCarter-q4n]

I've got the exact display that doesn't work. It keeps losing power and going blank which throws my jet ski into "safe" mode which only lets my ski to go about 5 mph. How much do you charge to fix the display?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in an Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have found with a repair as we learn together. I don't have a lot of time left. I hope you can find someone you know that likes to tinker and hopefully after watching the video can help you out. I wish you the best of luck with yours.

[@scherdaddy65]

About to get into this shortly but I keep looking at what to remove to get to the screen and not alot of bolts popping out at me. Hate to remove anything I don't need to if you could give a few hints on removal would be great. Otherwise I'll just start and see.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

As far as display removal from watercraft, I can't help. It was brought to me by a friend.

[@tuongle1969]

Can you show me how’s connect power without harness wires?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

The wiring diagram I shared may help with that. It's been a while since I repaired this.

[@tuongle1969]

@@ThriftyToolShed black ground to black ground, red+red white to red battery? I’m just newbie’s jetski that why I need some help!thanks!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

It has been quite a while, but that does seem correct. I am pretty sure I showed it in the video.

[@jesuscoria5204]

Great video! Now I want to open mine! 😅 I have the same display with different problem and I would like to see what advice you could share. The only thing I am having problems with is that only part of the screen is visible. If I apply pressure at the bottom of the screen, you can see the screen with no issues? Do you think it’s the strip that could be bad or the metal bracket? Thanks for any and all help

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Yes, it sounds like the elastomeric (zebra) strip is not making a good connection. I would try cleaning it and board connection points really well with a high percentage IPA and as you mentioned make sure the metal bracket is holding good pressure to it. Sometimes the strip gets hard from age and causes similar issues as well. Best of luck to ya!

[@fullerfuller3332]

Great video. Which wire's are you hooking up your power supply to?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

The negative connection is Black. The Red and the Red/Wht go to positive to power up MFD. As long as it's the same model the wiring diagram I shared will work.

[@romaincauquil7241]

Bonjour serait-il possible d’avoir le schéma électrique ? Merci cordialement

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I shared links in the video description of everything I used on this repair. Even the manual and schematic link I found if it's still available.

[@romaincauquil7241]

Ok merci je regarde si je trouve cordialement

[@urmotherisgae]

man i spent $300 for a new dash in my 97 waverunner earlier this year and the amount of people who tried to sell the bled through displays for regular price just made me die inside a little

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Crazy!

[@benrudman3917]

Do you service these? Mine has been giving me a fit with intermittently working. Lately the oil gauge is the only thing that displays. Sometimes it all works.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@johnegbo285]

So red and white go to the battery ? What color is the the ground wire thanks bud !

[@ThriftyToolShed]

The negative connection is Black. The Red and the Red/Wht go to positive to power up MFD. As long as it's the same model the wiring diagram I shared will work.

[@chadambeau4054]

Do you have a video of how to remove the display from the Jet Ski?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I do not. My buddy brought it to me and I mentioned the tools needed in the video based on the information he provided.

[@justsaying9913]

Any one know where I can buy the Glass Screen? Looks like mine is done for. Followed all the steps to disassemble and removed paper but mine is still dark. I can only see red light come on.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

So you know for sure that it is too dark? So in the video my digits did not show until I got the polarized sheet? Just wanted to clarify....

[@justsaying9913]

@@ThriftyToolShed i bought the polarized paper but I'm unable to see anything. Looks like my screen is still dark after i removed the old paper from front and back.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

@@justsaying9913 Ok, just wanted to make sure!

[@ninaclick9402]

the link to the film at ebay indicates is is no longer avail. too many offered to just pick on..can you recommend an alternative?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

This is a similar one available on Amazon. Ebay is very hard to keep a working link on. I have no experience with this exact one. It just seems similar, this is more of a possible replacement? amzn.to/3NYgtkC

[@MrAstrokidd]

Awesome job and video. Going to attempt same repair. Would you recommend any other way off separating the halfs in hindsight. Thanks in advance.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I would do it the same as shown in video. That way the flange will still be in tact! Best of luck to ya!

[@MrAstrokidd]

Hi. Quick question. I got mine apart and found that both sides off the led screen were bad. Replaced the front with polarized film and could see graphics but very dim. Whats on the back side? Mirror film with Adhesive? Thanks in advance for any help.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I am not sure anything fixable on the back side of the LCD itself. The only thing I would know to try is make sure the (zebra) elastomeric strip is very clean and making good tight contact to the edge of LCD. Best of luck to ya!

[@skyfireaerial]

@@MrAstrokidd not all polarizing film is the same.. and sometimes just putting it on the in the wrong direction can effect how well it works.. just something to keep in mind..

[@MrAstrokidd]

@@skyfireaerial I got it figured out. I needed to use polarized screen in back of lcd as well. Working on putting it all together now. Thanks for the info.

[@jdmccorful]

Great save! Is it salt water or brackish? UV is a bitch . Thanks for the look.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Thanks John. As far as I know it's only been in local lake water!

[@bobbymorgan9052]

I got two of those you can fix for me

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in an Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have found with a repair as we learn together. I don't have a lot of time left. I hope you can find someone you know that likes to tinker and hopefully after watching the video can help you out. I wish you the best of luck with yours.

[@pauldouglas8050]

Was the ski having any issue due to the fact that the display wasn’t working. I have the same one and when it powers up I don’t get the two beeps when turning on also speedometer not work. In turn mine is not starting

[@pauldouglas8050]

Is the cluster controlling anything else

[@ThriftyToolShed]

This one was in the slo mode as mentioned in the video. Other than that it would run. We first thought the display non-working was causing the slo mode. As shown the screen was electronically working. The LCD ended up being blacked out by the polarized film. As far as I know the fuel gauge, speed and the mode are the main things you loose if MFD failure. As far as I know the MFD does not stop the ski from running? I guess it's still possible something bad on the board could cause an issue if still plugged in? You can unplug the MFD and see if it still has the issue. Best of luck to ya!

[@Transkomplekt59]

Кто русскоязычный смотрит, пишите подскажу , я починил тоже, дело было немного в другом.

[@Kelbytwhiddon]

If I send u mine can u maybe fix mine like that? Same one ! If so let me know

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in an Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have found with a repair as we learn together. I don't have a lot of time left. I hope you can find someone you know that likes to tinker and hopefully after watching the video can help you out. I wish you the best of luck with yours.

[@frankpedro1478]

Do you repair them my not working

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@andrewcole5830]

hello any chance of fixing mine please ?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@olen8534]

I have the exact same display. Will you be interested for me to pay you to fix it?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in an Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have found with a repair as we learn together. I don't have a lot of time left. I hope you can find someone you know that likes to tinker and hopefully after watching the video can help you out. I wish you the best of luck with yours.

[@yogopepe7207]

I have 1 to be repair,wher i have to send it and how much please

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@HangingwithPeacock]

Can I mail you mine? Haha

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Hi, I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in an Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have found with a repair as we learn together. I don't have a lot of time left. I hope you can find someone you know that likes to tinker and hopefully after watching the video can help you out. I wish you the best of luck with yours.

[@meattruckmike4471]

Is there anyway I can pay you to repair the same display ?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@WilfredUlerio]

Anyway I can pay you to fix mine?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in an Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have found with a repair as we learn together. I don't have a lot of time left. I hope you can find someone you know that likes to tinker and hopefully after watching the video can help you out. I wish you the best of luck with yours.

[@WilfredUlerio]

I’m going to try an do it myself. Your video was a big help. Thank you.

[@TheStephenspann27]

Awesome info. Would you consider fixing one for me ? For $ of course.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@TheStephenspann27]

@@ThriftyToolShed Thanks for the reply!

[@Milo_Rivera_A]

What would you charge for me to send you more me to bring it back to life ?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I wish I had time, I do get asked this often. I do not have a repair service at this time. I work full time+ in a Industrial job and try to have time to edit videos to post. I try to help by posting what I have learned and sharing that best I can. Best of luck to you with yours!

[@shannonwilliams601]

Is there a certain kind of electronic glue that you attach the little white rubber strip to the glass with That Make's contact to the board

[@ThriftyToolShed]

If you are asking about the elastomeric (zebra) strip it makes an electrical connection so I simply cleaned with 99% alcohol. No glue, but sometimes after years pushed together they almost appear to be stuck with adhesive.