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Old 04-22-2014, 01:32 PM   #26
OnlySubarus4Me
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I just had to do this on my 2006 STI, same problem I had on my used 2002 Impreza OBS with the clock. It's so annoying that this is such a common and widespread problem. But thanks to handy DIY's like this, I've been able to fix both cars. Thanks again luftpirate, instructions are clear and correct to the tee and worked like a charm! The only thing I would add is, be careful not to lose the small white cylindrical bumpers, I think there are 4 of them, that cushion the two mirror halves. One of mine fell out and I was lucky enough to find it right outside the driver's side door. They look like little white mechanical pencil erasers. Probably not a big deal if you're missing one, but I like to know absolutely nothing is missing from my car!
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Old 06-09-2014, 12:16 AM   #27
adhoc
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Default Thanks luftpirate

Thanks, luftpirate. I had the same dim mirror-compass problem: now the direction shines brightly after thirty-minutes work.
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Old 06-29-2014, 10:56 PM   #28
mrfunnyguyky
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My compass stopped working right after I bought my car (used) and it's up and running again. Thanks a million.
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Old 07-31-2014, 09:28 AM   #29
nti_hazard88
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I can confirm that this also works on the 2011 WRX's mirror compass.

I imagine that might lump the 2008-2013 years in (since they have practically the same body).
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Old 08-03-2014, 12:56 AM   #30
projectrally
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Awesome fix. Going to test this out on my 07 FSXT soon. Thanks for posting.
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Old 08-07-2014, 06:24 PM   #31
aweak_reception
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Worked for my 2010 wrx
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Old 10-22-2014, 09:55 AM   #32
GuitsBoy
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Hey luftpirate, what's your paypal email addy? I need to buy you a beer.
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Old 11-17-2014, 11:49 AM   #33
saktoons
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Default Worked for Me!

I completed this repair on the mirror/compass for my 2010 Forester. The hardest part was opening the mirror's clamshell. I chewed up the plastic a little bit, but nothing that a bit of filing didn't fix. (Honestly, I tried using plastic tools to open the clamshell, but they didn't do the job. I had to go with metal, unfortunately.) I had bought a replacement metal spring clip for the mirror's mount, but I ended up not needing it. I removed the mirror and replaced it with no problem. The spring clip still holds tightly.

Thank you for the tip that saved me $135 or more.
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Old 01-25-2015, 12:13 PM   #34
Firefly Jar
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Default Luftpirate is a genius - Thank you!!

From a fellow Cincinnatian, I would like to offer my extreme gratitude for Luftpirate. I thank you for your service to the city, the nation and the Universe. You are a gift to humanity.

My compass is now shining brightly.

I used guitar picks to hold the clips open as I worked my way around the mirror to get it separated. Pushing on the resistors didn't make it come on but I don't think I had the "Compass" button pressed - the right sided button. I simply bought tiny solder from Radio Shack and melted some on the tip and touched it to the sides of those resistors as described. The end result looked like Luftpirate's photos. I plugged it in and the compass came on bright immediately. I danced around the car like a lunatic for 3.5 minutes.

Every time I see that bright compass it will remind me of Luftpirate, a shining star in this beautiful world.

Thanks Man!!!
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Old 05-06-2015, 03:25 AM   #35
leadguitar27
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You're a genius OP. Worked in my 06 FXT. Thanks so much! So worth the Radioshack ripoff on flux. Whatever that is.

Last edited by leadguitar27; 05-06-2015 at 03:26 AM. Reason: spelling fix and additional thanks
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Old 06-09-2015, 03:28 PM   #36
Yal
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On my other car a 2007 Honda Accord OEM mirror with compass...same circuit board, resoldered the top resistor as described. Boom! Got my compass back nice and bright. Thank you OP...you rock
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Old 07-13-2015, 07:26 AM   #37
VanHalen5150
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I wonder if it would be possible to reflow the whole board using a heat gun or something. I could just carry it to my buddy and have him stick it through the wave soldering oven at his job.
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Old 07-13-2015, 01:11 PM   #38
Mulder
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Dipping an already assembled board in the tank would probably trash it, I'd just do the spot repair.
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Old 12-26-2015, 08:53 PM   #39
coalcardan
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Subaru Stars Yipper. That worked.

A little late after the original post. I just performed this fix tonite, Dec. 26, 2015. It worked fantastic. Nice bright letters now. But I would get a smaller soldering iron if I do this again. One of the resistors popped off and I needed a tweazer to find it and put back on. ALSO my board was covered in bad/cold solder joints. But I only fixed the biggest ones, the resistors on your photo, plus the ribbon going to the N/S display. Thanxxx!
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Old 01-11-2016, 05:48 PM   #40
houstonpv
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thanks for the info. My has been dim for a year.. finally got tired of it. Done!
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Old 02-02-2016, 10:20 PM   #41
Pohenegamook
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So it looks like I've got this going on too...
what iron are people using? Would a fine tip butane torch iron work?

Alternatively, has anyone tried solder paste (http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-4860P-35G-Solder-Paste/dp/B00M1RC0YY)

or conductive glue: Silver Conductive Wire Glue

or would that not hold up to the heat and vibration of a car over the long term?

(and altho I haven't done is yet, thanks Luftpirate for this fix!)
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Old 05-15-2016, 08:16 PM   #42
teds-rex
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Even since this is basically a zombie thread seems i am not the only one getting help from this so just wanted to thank the OP for the great writeup. Just fixed this on the wifes 2009 Forester we just picked up the other day and writeup was very good.

Pohenegamook, i would definitely advise against a butane iron as it may be to hot for PCB work. You want limited temp and plenty of flux/good solder to let it flow without heating it up too much.
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Old 07-22-2016, 11:39 AM   #43
luftpirate
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teds-rex View Post
Even since this is basically a zombie thread seems i am not the only one getting help from this so just wanted to thank the OP for the great writeup. Just fixed this on the wifes 2009 Forester we just picked up the other day and writeup was very good.

Pohenegamook, i would definitely advise against a butane iron as it may be to hot for PCB work. You want limited temp and plenty of flux/good solder to let it flow without heating it up too much.
Thanks glad others have had success as well!
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Old 02-12-2017, 07:29 PM   #44
Zmanwrx23
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Just did this yesterday, big thanks to OP. 20 min work and it looks new!
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Old 03-03-2017, 04:09 PM   #45
Ghearn89
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Hello all!

Stumbling upon this thread gave me great joy after experiencing this issue in my 06 Impreza for 4 years.

Upon getting the circuit board out and detached I noticed something that does not look promising. There seems to be a smudge/burn on the display window and I am wondering if maybe this is the reason why my mirror display no longer works. Any thoughts? (See images below)




Thanks!
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Old 03-04-2017, 08:19 AM   #46
Charlie-III
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghearn89 View Post
Hello all!

Stumbling upon this thread gave me great joy after experiencing this issue in my 06 Impreza for 4 years.

Upon getting the circuit board out and detached I noticed something that does not look promising. There seems to be a smudge/burn on the display window and I am wondering if maybe this is the reason why my mirror display no longer works. Any thoughts? (See images below)




Thanks!
No, it's not an issue, it's part of the display manufacturing. Just before they seal the glass up, they apply a vacuum and then seal it.
There is still some air inside so they have a small metal pad that they apply voltage to once to consume the remaining oxygen, thus the spot.

If you find the "clock repair" thread (same issue, failed solder joints) the spot you show is covered there as well.

In short, not the issue, you need to fix a likely bad solder joint.
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Old 03-04-2017, 03:45 PM   #47
Ghearn89
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie-III View Post
No, it's not an issue, it's part of the display manufacturing. Just before they seal the glass up, they apply a vacuum and then seal it.
There is still some air inside so they have a small metal pad that they apply voltage to once to consume the remaining oxygen, thus the spot.

If you find the "clock repair" thread (same issue, failed solder joints) the spot you show is covered there as well.

In short, not the issue, you need to fix a likely bad solder joint.
Thank you! My hopes are flying high again. *Fingers crossed for the soldering to work*
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Old 06-23-2017, 11:32 AM   #48
GuiTarzan6405
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Default Additional Info

Thanks Luftpirate for posting this helpful fix! I have performed this fix at least 3 times on my 2010 Forester. Apparently, the constant expansion and contraction from hot and cold takes its toll on those tiny resistors and I eventually have to make the repair again.

The last time I did the repair, about 2 years ago, I reinforced the solder joint with a small piece of very thin wire. I figured even if the joint split open again, maybe the wire would allow for expansion and carry the current through the circuit. This also allowed me to add a little more solder to the joint. So far so good!

7-31-18 update: Had to go in and repair it again, but at least my previous repair lasted about 3 years! I also wanted to add that I live in North Carolina, so the summers are pretty brutal on a car interior.

For today's repair, I had some plastic Spudger tools, an old plastic Walmart Gift Card, and a 1.0 mm guitar pick. I must say, out of this set of tools, the guitar pick was the easiest to work with as it worked into the crack easily and was easy to move around the outside of the mirror.

Thanks again Luftpirate!!!

Last edited by GuiTarzan6405; 07-31-2018 at 07:52 PM.
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Old 08-01-2017, 07:45 PM   #49
0vC7093M
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Thank you for this! I just followed this to repair the compass in my 2009 Impreza.
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Old 01-20-2019, 12:08 PM   #50
snow3d
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Digging up the dead in 2019. Found this link over on the Forester forum, and subsequently fixed the compass in my 07 XT using the info. Many thanks to Luftpirate for write-up!
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