Garmin Etrex GPS screen failing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2024, 12:04:55 pm
content: I have had this unit since like forever but gradually more lines of pixels are failing. At first it was annoying but still usable but it has got to a point where it is almost unusable. The problem is only with the screen. Te rest of functions work fine.These LCD displays have a line of contacts which can be cleaned but I have no access. It is enclosed in a case which is supposed to be water tight and I cannot see how I can open it without destroying it.Any ideas before destruction commences?

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2024, 12:43:49 pm
content: [ Specified attachment is not available ]Peel away the black plastic/rubberised surround - try to keep this intact - it will go back. Remove the double-sided sticky tape. On my unit there was another, thinner transparent tape that sealed the gap between the plastic shell. The two halves of the shell are clipped together.No idea why the image is behaving like thatGood luck.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2024, 02:15:21 pm
content: Thanks. That was very helpful and I did manage to open it up without doing too much damage.Unfortunately I cannot find a way to repair the LCD problem. The ribbon cable is glued and I cannot find a way. This is the second unit I have with the same problem. I guess it's gone.It is a pity because I only used it to record my tracks when I traveled to exotic places and later connect it to the computer and be able to locate where I had been. I guess I will just have to find a replacement.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2024, 06:50:08 pm
content: This is my third GPS of this model which fails this way and I see several for sale on eBay which are also already beginning to fail.I have opened it up and inspected the ribbon cable which connects the screen to the PCB and it seems the contacts are just lined up and the flat cable has adhesive and so the contacts are held together just by the adhesive on the cable. I tried putting some pressure to see if that restored the contacts but it ruined whatever lines of pixels were still working.Personally I consider it gone as trying to repair it is beyond my ability and competency.But I wonder if someone might be able to restore the contacts.It is a shame because I really like this little hand-held unit but I am not about to buy another one just to have it fail in short order.Anyone have any recommendation on a similar, hand-held, small, light, cheap unit? I only need the most basic functions. No need for maps, just tracks and waypoints.

author: Manul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2024, 08:55:46 pm
content: I had success a few times repairing glued LCD flat flex. I set soldering iron to low temp, around 130 - 150C, then carefully drag (with light pressure) every contact line. The glue under the flex should slightly compress, if you see that, you have enough heat and pressure. Generally requires microscope.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2024, 10:00:23 am
content: I tried just pushing town with a flat screwdriver but it made it worse. It is a pity because it can probably be easily repaired by someone with the necessary skill and tools but I think this is beyond my capacity.I might take it to a phone repair place. They can probably do it. I might ask.