900/9-3 SID-3 Display

Overview

The SAAB Information Display (SID) with "missing" pixels. The problem gets worse over time until the display becomes unreadable. The cause is broken and intermittent cable connections between the display and a circuit board. Some displays can be restored by applying pressure to the cable using a rubber band or by resoldering the connections, others have to be replaced. To get access to the ribbon cable, the display has to be removed from the dash and disassembled.

Disassembly

Two metal screws and one L-shaped bracket (shown on the right) at the cable connector must be removed. The front and back of the plastic case are held together with small plastic tabs that can be released by pressing down, then the case can be opened and the circuit boards can be slid out.

Fig. 2 - SID Disassembled

Components

Enclosure

A SID-3 after removal. The plastic case is held in the dash by four snaps, two on the top of the case, and two on the bottom (click picture for more detail). M4 screws were used to pull the SID out of the dash.

Fig. 3 - SID Enclosure

LCD

Front of the unit (upside down), showing the LCD mounted in a white plastic frame and the analog clock.

Fig. 4 - SID LCD

Circuit Boards

Back of the unit (still upside down), showing the two circuit boards and the cable connector. The round black object is a piezoelectric buzzer.

Fig. 5 - SID Circuit Boards

Ribbon Cable

The liquid crystal display (LCD) is attached by a flat ribbon cable soldered to the main circuit board.

Fig. 6 - SID Ribbon Cable

Repair

Repair Services

Most SIDs can be repaired by [BBA Reman] Reports from users at saabcentral.com indicate a high quality service at a reasonable price.

SID repairs are also performed by [Kramer Micro] Reports from users at saabcentral.com about Kramer Micro are negative overall.

DIY

Missing SID pixels are the result of the LCD display's ribbon cable separating from the board. Several DIY options exist for repairing the ribbon cable. When attempting these repairs be very careful not to damage the ribbon cable as this may require the purchase of a new unit.

1. Use foam to apply additional pressure to the ribbon cable and improve the connection.
2. Use a ballpoint pen to press down each of the ribbon cable connectors and improve the connection.
3. Pass a hot soldering iron over the ribbon cable connector to improve the connection. This tends to be the most effective, while also being the most likely to cause permanent damage.