I don't think there is any problem with doing the diy listed on this website. I took mine out as per the instructions and used some compressed air (the kind in a can for computers) and blew out the connections and restored all my pixels except one on the odometer. I really didn't feel comfortable taking it apart more but others have had much success cleaning or replacing the ribbon.

Do a search you will find a lot of material on here and other forums via google.