Instrument Cluster Repairs, etc.

["Chao, Harvey" <harvey.chao@xxxxxxxx>]

In V9, #161 there was a post from Jake about problems he is having with his
instrument cluster and how he removed it etc.  There are have been other
posts about instrument and SI board  work as well as individuals changing
chips in the ECU module.

A word of caution - It is my understanding that many of these electronic
assemblies have (CMOS) integrated circuits that are extremely sensitive to
Electro Static Discharge (ESD).  This is an industry term for static
electricity - the kind of shock you get from walking across the carpet,
rubbing a wool blanket etc.  The level of shock you get from those kinds of
static discharges is many many times the level needed to blow out (CMOS)
integrated circuits.  

The way around this is with proper handling of circuit assemblies,  properly
grounded work areas, anti-static plastic bags, and use of anti-static
grounding straps for the person handling ESD sensitive items.

If you are going to venture into handling and repairing these kinds of
devices, I would recommend that if you are not familiar with proper ESD
handling procedures, find a friend who is and get him or her to teach you
what you need to know and get the proper equipment (pretty basic and not
expensive [compared to cost of damage avoided!] and re-usable) so that you
don't accidentally make the problem you are attempting to resolve worse.

Harvey

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