Thanks I am going to try a DIY on my cluster and need the correct capacitor numbers , and has anyone currently figured out what is the material for the needles backing ? In the posts i've read it was windshield defrost repair kit paint. Is that correct? Is there a link for this procedure? I have also read 2 different posts on the cap #'s. which ones will i need to replace? I am not clear. Much appreciated.

 

Disconnect the battery and follow the instructions for removing the dash/ instrument cluster,
turn the cluster over and remove the screws holding the covers over the boards.
Unscrew the 5/6 screws along the centre of the top board and lift off the mounting points, DO NOT DISCONNECT LOOMS BETWEEN THE BOARDS IF CAN GET AWAY WITHOUT DOING SO.
The capacitors are numbered so you will need to look carefully to find them, and are AS FOLLOWS

C142[big board]4.7uf,25 volt
C147[big board]10uf ,50 volt
C212[small board]10uf,16 volt
http://apaqdigital.com/ls400/instrument_circuit.jpg

Carefully remove the top of the old capacitor leaving the legs attatched to the board, as this will make removal of the legs easy, unsolder the legs and remove.
Make sure you solder the new capacitors in the correct way as they are marked +/- or have a stripe on the side indicating polarity.
ref fit boards and screwsand tighten down well but not too well. and refit to car. this will cure the illumination probs but not the needle issue

Hpe this is of help to you mate, i did it without any problems, just remember to keep the solder joints neat, and try not to over heat the pcb as it is poss i have heard to lift the strip that you solder to off the boads surface.
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This is good info.

 

Thanks a million. I will let you know how it goes. I would like to hear something about the needles fix if anybody knows. I have 3 tips out. If i have gathered something through searching its that there is some unknown material on the back of these needles and must be re-applied. Thats all i can gather. Thanks