4.8is cluster LCD pixel fade in one section?

[nextelbuddy]

with in the last month i just noticed that the area in my main LCD is dark so i can not read what the temp is.

i searched this forum and google and it sounds like it could be the ribbon cable in the cluster?

i have a spare e39 high cluster with a good LCD and cable but i wanted to confirm what this could be specifically.

here is a picture of the LCD going faded dark.

im veyr used to taking e46 clusters apart, recoding them, changing mileage with a new eeprom chip etc.. but the e53 clusters seem more difficult as the needles dont just pull off and you have to use a tool to hold onto the stem before pulling the needle off risking damage to the stepper motors.

do you have to remove the needles to repair or replace the LCD and ribbon cable?