Mk4 BMW Sat Nav Unit with Dark / Dim Screen Output Problem

Leeky · #1 09-21-2012, 12:55 PM

Hi,

Hi, I am a new user in need of some help as I have searched extensively online for someone with a similar problem to mine, with only one seemingly unresolved result from these forums (here: http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...-mk4-unit.html)

I recently (knowingly) bought a faulty BMW mk4 sat nav upgrade replacement unit for the mk3 unit in my Range Rover 04 Vogue for £100, as a gamble. I basically asked the guy off ebay if he'd take £100 to end the auction early if I picked it up from his house as I was holidaying nearby and he took it. It was advertised as working but displaying a very dark screen: BMW MK4 DVD SAT NAV NAVIGATION PLAYER E46 E39 E38 X5 M3 INCLUDES V32 DISC | eBay 4.m1423.l2649#ht_2736wt_1165

Being fairly technically minded I thought maybe I could get it working properly again with my RR, but after spending yesterday messing about with it and searching on the internet I have run out of ideas. The output to the screen is still really dark and basically unusable whilst driving.

I can't attach images to these forums but I have made an identical post on Rangerovers.net with images attached (here: Mk4 BMW Sat Nav Unit with Dark / Dim Screen Output Problem), including all stickers / codes etc, and a couple of shots of the screen - you have to really squint to see the menus etc, but they ARE fully accessible / functional and navigable if you look hard enough.

So far I have tried four different firmware changes (V28, V30 and two different V32's) to no avail. I have tried changing the brightness settings, I have messed about with some of the 'hidden' config menu settings, I have tried unplugging the TV module and running it, I have tried changing the TV module settings, and probably a few other things I've forgotten as well.

From information on the hidden config menu I can see that it seems to have come from an X5. The guy who sold it to me seems to think the problem is a compatibility issue with his 2002 M3.

I have downloaded the NavCoder (NavCoder Website) software and have ordered a USB interface (IBUS Interface for BMW cars) in the hope that I may be able to fix it cheaply by changing some settings with that, but I am unsure of any success tbh.

Has anyone else ever encountered or fixed this problem before? Am I stuck with a dud?

Hope someone can help! Regards, Lee

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Roy in GA · #2 09-23-2012, 12:58 AM

How do you know that your monitor is good? Find a friend who has a good monitor and try your nav in that car.

Leeky · #3 09-24-2012, 06:10 PM

Hi, it still works fine with the mk3 unit (the screen)

autotronic · #4 09-25-2012, 02:58 AM

Have a read of information concerning RGB picture signal health at RGB Signals, frankly I've never come across your problem before. Open the top & bottom lids to see if there are any traces of water damage. These are custom designs with few little user serviceable components inside. If you can't see the reason for the fault with your eyes, then I suggest you just bail out and get another unit. You can easily sell the DVD drive and get some money back.

Leeky · #5 09-25-2012, 06:59 PM

No obvious sign of damage inside the lids, in fact it looks like new internally.

Since I've paid for it I'll hang on until the Resler IBUS interface arrives. I have an outside hope that there is a setting, like the mono color units I've read about, that can be changed.

The RGB testing isn't an option as I don't have access to an oscilloscope.

Chalky · #6 10-18-2016, 06:03 AM

Hi, am very interested in these dim LCD issues, any progress?

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