Digital Multi Guage on Dash

[tantrum]

My screen (LCD) for the digital multi-guage on the far right of the dash seems to be going kaput.  It has lines through it and makes reading the numbers pretty difficult.  What is the proper term for this gauge?  I am thinking since it is the screen, there is no way to fix it.  Any recommendations on where to get a new one or an upgrade?

[Wet-N-Frugal]

It's called the Message Center, and it's very common for the LCD screens to fail. Mine had the same symptom when I bought it; replacement with new Message Center is the only viable option.

In TMS Parts check out Figure 15, Item 6.   Part Number: MGA0011512

Ask Capt Rick if he has any in stock.

It's tight, but not complicated to remove it. From under the dash, access is to snake around and then above the in dash stereo. Get your hand(s) and wrench on the two nuts holding the backing clamp. Loosen those, and pull it free from the Dash front. Remove connector, and swap in new one with reverse order.

-WNF-

[tantrum]

Thanks for the info!!! I appreciate the help!!!

[tantrum]

any body have any luck with any kind of aftermarket part?

[cyclone]

It's made, or at least was made by Keyser Medallion. Lots of brands used this gauge system. The display was standard equpt on Malibu, called the Malibu Message Center I think.

I am sure that there are differences as far as programming, because you can select the model of Epic boat on the setup of our MMC.

I had one go bad in exactly the way you describe on my first Epic, it was replaced under warrantee.

[tantrum]

Thanks for the help!!!  Guess if i want to fix it, may have to cough up the $300 or so in the TMS parts... if there are any.

[Wet-N-Frugal]

Tantrum,

Possible Alternative...

OK I should of done this years ago, and took the time to open my broken Message Center to see what made her tick; I didn't for the seller (whom I bought my Epic from) was on the hook to replace my broken one with new. However, I own my own Electronics Design Company and have a vast experience with this type of embedded technology. Keyser Medallion used a LCD module manufacturer (OPTREX) that's well known, and I've even used their product in the past. This particular LCD Display is now obsolete, but I believe I've located some new surplus... these have a neutral background, instead of the yellow. There's a very strong chance of success with getting a new display in yours. I'm set-up to do the fix with about a $100 final cost to you (plus shipping). Should you be interested I could even start by fixing the one I've opened up.

-WNF-

[breakawaydaze]

Hey, now that some pretty strong and helpful info!  Having someone on sight to do readout replacements is great!

[masonlk]

WNF, I'm lovin' your posts! I get all warm and fuzzy feelin' and a big grin knowing that you're up here in the great Pac. NW.
BTW, I put in the garden hose connector and it works great. It is so much better than crawling under to hook up (and then unhook in the wet grass) those stupid toilet plungers.

[flyn2001]

That is Friggin awesome WNF!!  I still have the DECC that I bought from you and it works like a champ!!  Matter of fact, I just sent my old problem-child DECC to MandyCornhusker (from this site) to help them troubleshoot some problems with their boat.  Maybe they could use your expertise if they still have problems.  Flyn2001.

[tantrum]

WNF

Would it be better to do the repair on the one you have opened first as a "test" and then let me/us know that the replacement parts you have located work?  What is your thought on how you would like to do this?  If this is successful, I could then send you my gauge for the fix.

Tantrum

[Wet-N-Frugal]

Great minds think a like. Yes the best approach is to repair mine first. In fact I ordered the display early this morning. Only after a successful replacement is accomplished, can we then think about how to service others. I should know within a week.

-WNF-

[tantrum]

Sounds good WNF, will be waiting to hear from you.  Got my fingers crossed.

Tantrum

[Mandycornhusker]

I got the guage Flyn2001 is refering too.  It works better than my old one (This one comes on) so one problem off the list.  Does anyone know how to set these to the model of boat?   I can't get it to display the Toyota Marine Sports logo like the manual says, and just can't get it to read right in general.    And again - Flyn2001 - Thank You soooo much.  I will be sending you a PM on that later!

[cyclone]

I think it's in the guide because I did it on my last Epic. You can get there somehow via the pushbuttons.