Saab Information Display (SID) Dead Pixel Repair

[@spensersun]

❤ 👏👏👏Thanks for demonstrating what should not to do. Then I found a second hand sid2 (2006 made - In pretty good condition) from junkyard for USD 35. Live with it happily ever after...

[@RaacingAce]

Greetings from Russia! I do not think that we have a woman owning Saab and restore SID. excellent skills! nothing works better than a bottle of beer at the right time in this case :)

[@26Vincent26]

6 years later, I have my own Saab. Tried to fix it, but my ribbon cable was too low quality, big rip. The screen is like your 2nd attempt, even after using heat, etc. Luckily I had a perfectly working back-up SID2 but the speaker does not work. Does not bother me too much. What I learnt: buy from the well known shops like pixelfix. People on KZbin and Saab forums recommend it. Thanks anyway for making this video!

[@DuchessDIY]

Hi Mike, thanks for the compliments! When I replaced my ribbon the SID units were $150 on Ebay, so it's nice to hear they have come down to about $50. That should help a lot of people. In general- I like a challenge, even though it might not seem like it sometimes (see my video on fuel filter replacement.) And this was at least $42 saved, oh and the cost of the beer...

[@crihsagnlel]

Hey Duchess thanks for this video. Watching you go through failed attempts helped me to learn more about what to watch out for on my own SID2 repair. So, thanks for not just skipping past those sections!

[@Lefaseer]

Great video! Just a warning to others who are still going to try this: Don't blindly trust the marking on the radio saying SID-1 or SID-2. We spent way too long trying to fit the wrong cable in. I would suggest taking the radio apart to see what kind of cable it actually uses before buying one. Or buy one of each, they're cheap.

[@Camer1Lee]

While I do need to fix my display... your video is the only one I've found that showed me how to get behind the instrument panel to retrieve my fallen in hazard switch (I see yours is a hole, too!) So, thank you for posting this. Now, not only have I gotten my hazard switch back so I can pass the Safety Inspection, I also know how to fix my display ;) Nice work!

[@charlesstevenson7144]

Thank you! I think your "inventive" approach was brilliant and the curling iron trick great. Glad it worked for you in the end. Suggestion for others who watch, you're best to use a spatula or similar to remove any units from a dashboard rather than a flat screwdriver, in case the screwdriver head stresses and damages either the dash or unit & then leaves a mark there to remind you every time you look at it. Now I've got to fix my Saab's unit.

[@DuchessDIY]

Ha, thanks Frontlaven. It was more trial and error than I thought it would be. I bet no one else uses a curling iron so nontraditionally! I'm enjoying the Saab a lot more lately because I'm fixing stuff on my own.

[@tomohawk5567]

I think you did really well, very inventive and patient, mine broke 3 years ago I tried to fix it but gave up after 30 minutes and it's still not working. Great video thanks for sharing 👍🇬🇧

[@BigOxxTech]

Just came across your video, bought a repair kit that came with 2 ribbons and a soldier iron with a rubber lined T bit, and looking forward to doing this tomorrow, also an SID2.

[@midewo]

duchess, again kudos for that effort. i went on ebay and found a sid repair service for $65 plus one way shipping to them. They are located in long beach and they matched the sid part number of my friend's car exactly. Thanks for the good demo of how to remove the unit. we should get the repaired sid back in 5 days. mike

[@DuchessDIY]

Update: within one hour every pixel was functioning. A few weeks later and each pixel is still present.

[@DuchessDIY]

Brandon yes, everything is still working! It's a miracle really, lol.

[@DuchessDIY]

Brandon newegg- it was $11USD at the time.

[@juantorrea8589]

Se atacaron los seis cd de una camioneta saab 2006 como arreglo el estereo

[@Bluterus]

Great Video! So informative I like that you even showed your stuff ups even so we don't make the same mistakes. Top Marks!

[@DuchessDIY]

Thanks Peter.

[@ChuckD59]

Well done Duchess! And that's exactly why I prefer to do my work in PRIVACY! Let 'em just see the genius of the finished (hopefully) product. BTW, I've fixed my SID ('02 Aero) using a standard iron set to "Cotton" on the existing contacts but it only lasts a couple months. I'll bookmark your vid for the future. Thanks!

[@DuchessDIY]

Glad I could help. This was such a long process of errors! Ha.

[@lynnlanham64]

I was looking for tips on replacing the singular cup holder in my Saab 9-5 when I came across your video....a hair dryer on high heat would have set the adhesive on the ribbon too. Good work any time you can complete the task.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Thanks for uploading. I followed along (somewhat) and fixed my SID1. I didn't use any heat to put on the ribbon, just some tape.

[@sniperlif3]

For those who want to know where to find some replacement ribbon/screen. Pixelfix.com offers Saab screen and ribbon cables that do not require soldering. Worked great! I purchased the Screen + Ribbon cable and the ribbon came already attached to the screen WITH some metal clips attached to provide much longer lifetime. The only failing factor would be your skill attaching the ribbon to the circuit board.

[@Nice45]

I just want to thank you for making this video and guiding me in the right direction. Your amazing and are an angel! 🙏🏽

[@Claps1775]

Thank you for the video. I just wanted to clean the pop the PO spilled all over the sid and radio. Your video helped.

[@oddpetterwardenr2092]

Thanks for a super presentatation (with mishaps and a lot of patience and humor) Just love it

[@flobe4935]

You are my heroine! Kudos. I just bought a 9-3 and I don]t think I would attempt that. ou did awesome!

[@DuchessDIY]

Thanks. Hopefully you can do it too. Just don't make the same mistakes I did and you should be good!

[@stevebutler812]

Hi. Just picked up a 99 Saab 9-3 w/ 145K miles, all records so I hope it lasts. Here are a few things neither your video or any other similar video discusses: 1. Is the SID replacement ribbon cables made of silver or carbon? Silver is slightly more expensive, conducts 10x better than carbon, bends 500x more than carbon before breaking down, and is more 'permanent'. For example, yours appears to be a less expensive version, without the hole, wasn't a very good fit for you. 2. Pull out the SID first to compare the replacement ribbon to images or the ones you are going to order to be sure it's either a SID 1 or SID 2, because it might not match. 3. The bulbs can also go out, and might also be ordered / replaced at the same time. All the movement during replacement can harm the bulbs. Thanks for the video

[@aamfrgvols]

Most entertaining video. Your fatal error may have been using nail polish remover as a cleaner. While acetone itself would have been sufficient the additional ingredients found in most removers would make it impossible for adhesives to work properly. Look at the label and see if glycerine is listed. This is often included to protect your skin from the drying properties of acetone. Unfortunately since it is an oil it would also prevent the adhesive from sticking. Had you had alcohol on hand your video would have been much, much shorter, and that would have been unfortunate for us!

[@DuchessDIY]

Thanks jordanfrye, I never thought of it, but you're exactly right. It probably had glycerin in it! Glad you enjoyed my misery, lol.

[@GowdyStuff]

I found that by passing a hot iron (clothes iron) over the contacts on the printed circuit board, and the LED screen, that I went from 0 pixels showing to it working 100%, on a replacement green ribbon cable like the one you bought. I also cut out the triangular section to fit the cable, like you did.

[@chcitak]

Well, thumbs up for not giving up after first try! Second BIG thumbs up for realizing that some times You need to grab a beer :-) And of course BIGGEST thumbs up for showing the mistakes!!! That´s something You don´t actually see around these times ;-)

[@DuchessDIY]

Thanks chcitak!

[@FashionLeds]

Woow very nice lot of tryes and patience I will try it on my Peugeot 206

[@rjallenbach1]

Great video! Thank you so much. I just bought a 1999 9-3 and I’m getting ready to buy undertake the task of repairing both the climate control and radio LCD. Your video was a great help

[@reglard]

Thanks I persevered with my own after similar failures, hot soldering iron did the trick.

[@draytonPW]

"I don't have a soldering iron ......... but I do have a curling iron!" lol

[@kenvaughn6379]

Your patients is amazing!

[@monostone7066]

You've inspired me to attempt to fix my ac display myself on my old 9-3. Thank you very much! I'll be looking through your other videos because it seems like my Saab needs most things fixing! Did you ever replace a Saab door window regulator? The tape I have covering the gap at the top of my window really doesn't look very cool but I have no idea how the regulator thing fits.

[@DuchessDIY]

Glad I could help- that's the point! No, when my window went out I had a mechanic fix it. I think now I could have done it myself. Good luck on the repairs. So far, all of mine have stayed "fixed"

[@monostone7066]

Duchess DIY I feel like I've just been to your garage and now I must owe you about £70 ;) Thanks for all your replies. I have no useful knowledge in return I'm afraid. I'll send you a free download link when I put my album together (although you might not consider that a good thing ;). Anyway thanks, and good luck with your Saab too....I will need luck with mine!!

[@norincobrocapri46]

Great job. Thanks for showing the mistakes so we know what to avoid. I'm going to attempt mine tomorrow. Cheers. : -) Tony

[@DuchessDIY]

Thanks Tony, good luck!

[@dcreisranch]

May I ask, what kind of Saab you have? I myself have a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE. You've convinced me to try to fix it myself!

[@DuchessDIY]

I have a Saab 9-5, 1999.

[@dcreisranch]

Duchess DIY They truly are beautiful cars. I refuse to get rid of mine. I've already replaced the engine and turbocharger. Blew the engine during a race, but that car is worth every penny!

[@laurat1129]

Duchess DIY, thank you for showing the frustrations of such *easy* fixes, saving money but not time. With my '99 9-3, I now have lots of practice removing, taking apart, and replacing the SID - but still NO pixels. My videos of the process are private and just to prove that I did the damn thing as instructed, also shorter and more boring because I had to cut out all my swearing/screaming to Holy Hell. So I see that in the end, all it takes is some female ingenuity - a curling iron and a beer.

[@norincobrocapri46]

Hi again. Took out my SID1 today. Thought l would be clever and just reheat the glue on the old parts with a soldering iron. ( l couldn't find the curling iron! ;-) Unfortunately adhesion was not the problem. The ribbon had split in a few places. I have ordered a new ribbon. Not looking forward to the re glueing

[@Frontlaven]

Great job there. How are you enjoying the Saab?

[@lorddiablo8575]

You are such a Smart & Patient Enough ( Never Give Up ) Lady.... I Admire You ! Next time, before you try to fix anything ... Have a couple zip of your favorite beer FIRST ... Ha Ha Ha !

[@GEORGEZNEMETH]

Does the SAAB run after removal because I need my ride but if it takes longer than expected...I need my ride! Great video!

[@auddoc99]

Where did you buy the replacement ribbon cable?

[@rickfoster5859]

I LOVE YOU Ms DUTCHESS! I've been looking for 4 days for YOUR video. I and my 2002 9-5 3.0t wagon thank you. Are you a Virgo?...no, no,...Taurus?...Will you marry me? really,..I love your attitude and gumption...you rock girl! vrrooomm-vrroomm...

[@kathleenferrarihale2272]

Hi ,can you post more videos on Saab repair ? I am attempting to do more repairs on my 2002 Saab 9-3 Se

[@Kamadev888]

Oh man, a GL woman with car repair skills! Me likey, and me very turned on! congrats! and evidently I'm not the only one, you're becoming a rock star among the men!

[@DuchessDIY]

Thanks Kamadev888! I don't know about my car repair skills- this IS a 15min video of me failing in many ways. Ha

[@Kamadev888]

Duchess DIY Hey - don't sell yourself short, gorgeous- any woman who can bring the dead back to life is a queen with magic hands in my eyes! (Even if it's dead pixels we're talkin' about!)

[@saabdashcamsweden4424]

great work! genuine video

[@grapewater123]

You did well... I came, tried , and failed ...miserably. Done it but cracked the LCD screen when putting it back together. The worst bit is, after trying it the pixels all now work , but just a massive crack in the corner which is lit up by the bulbs.. I can't stop looking at it I'm sending it off for a professional to repair :@(

[@harvey226]

I gotta tell ya. I had my doubts at first if it was gonna work but you made it happen. woohoo

[@DuchessDIY]

I know, right? I doubted too. Thanks.

[@vburji82]

Great and honest video

[@krishnachaichaiporn1161]

Could you tell me where to buy the ribbon cable ? Thank you.

[@simul8guy75]

I suggest using a plastic body panel tool (sometimes called a bone tool) to remove the panel NOT a screwdriver...less chance of damaging the dash trim. While it's more money I suggest just removing the SID and shipping it to a company like BBA Reman to have this work done professionally. You'll also get a 5-10 year warranty on the repaired part.

[@crihsagnlel]

I just went through the motions of doing this, and its popped back in my 9-3. I had to use longer screws than stock on the last two screws that hold the faceplate on, because the last owner broke the tubes the screws go into. That added a few more minutes. Its not worth bothering a 'professional' to fix this, unless you like giving other people your money.

[@simul8guy75]

Given the problems the video maker had performing this repair properly I suggested the other option of getting the SID and ACC display re-manufactured by a pro. Then you get the warranty. For some folks (like me) it's worth the extra money.

[@fade7755]

Bravo, thanks for the video inspired to do this repair myself!

[@husainisyed7792]

Great video. Thanks

[@FR-ji3hw]

You might try using a straight edge to bend the new ribbon to match the old one before you try to stick it to the contacts.

[@midewo]

correct me if i am wrong.... you could have bought the whole new sid unit and forgone the 'interesting' experience? is that correct? they have em on ebay for $50 now.... interested in if all that work was justified given the now reasonable cost of the entire unit mike

[@rogerwilco2]

A very good tutorial, if a bit on the long side.

[@sunesnigel]

Great video!

[@kathleenferrarihale2272]

Maybe an oil change one ? Thank you ,great videos

[@keithnewton8981]

It's best to the ribbon to the screen first use a craft knife to make a slit in the tape for the plastic catch . The fit the tape to the circuit board

[@bengtmowitz5012]

The most nail polish removers contains some sort of oil, for not drying out your nails! You should use either 98% alcohol or a electronic cleaner!

[@rollotwomassey]

Whoa! Glad I just bit the bullet and sprung for the $400 SID from SAAB...

[@1402teddybear]

Great job!!!!!!

[@theobserver2309]

Bravo! You are a clever pixie!!

[@EASTENDGLEN]

good job girl, we need more gearhead chicks haha

[@keithnewton8981]

Microfiber clothes are not a non static surface in fact they are a huge producer of static

[@carlincook3663]

We have a Saab 95 and the screen has dead pixels and the havers light button has gotten pushed in, just like this

[@justin4thewin]

Where did you order the part?

[@DuchessDIY]

I just put "Saab information display" ribbon on a search engine and picked the cheapest one. In US Dollars I think it was about $8-10.00 Good luck!

[@Timboslicer-is7mb]

Duchess DIY Thanks I thought that I was going to have to buy the whole thing which I found them to be about $150 for the cheapest ahhh this helped a lot

[@Duffloop]

Nice work!

[@juantorrea8589]

Se atacaron los seis cd de un estereo de una saab 2006 como lo arreglo

[@HAPKAH]

There ya go - a like for not giving up. That was very Soviet for a Western woman.

[@BobsonofZeus]

I wish I was married to you. I like doing the things you do. (Please accept this as a heartfelt compliment). Good tutorial.

[@cjml3996]

Great vid, thanks. I'm close to buying a ribbon on ebay for my 2002 Saab 9-3. They all say to use a t tip iron, yet none of the vids I see on youtube for repair do that. -My ACC display is completely dead also, can I assume it's a similar repair? Anyone done that?

[@qbashi]

You rock

[@midewo]

dear.... amazing! just fucking amazing! are you single? well done! i think the beer was the trick... was that a guiness? just blown away! mike in so cal

[@gunnarliljas8459]

Brilliant!

[@gmickb]

incredible

[@kevinkiepert]

Your star bit is called a torx bit.

[@mlfconv]

one pixel was present

[@elwuudz]

you married? ha! nice job

[@rammyx121]

had the cable on the wrong way....sorry, i had to laugh...

[@bomj_s_drobovikom]

lol

[@1998andrew13]

Lol

[@carsncabins1349]

Will you marry me? lol

[@MohamadSimo]

OMG a girl make a tutorial of how to fix a car radio digit screen that's really awesome i am sure all men whose watch this clip they wish if they have a wife like you