# LCD Readout help (On CD Player) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 18, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895 "2003-08-18T03:50:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895/1 "2003-08-18T03:50:15Z")
I have a portable CD player. It has an LCD read out. This plays MP3s as well. Today the readout went blank. The player works just fine. But I can’t read what track it is on. I can’t program it to repeat or jump tracks. Looking at the manual it says if player is left in temps over 104 or under 32 it may be hard to see. When normal temp is restored it will work. (this didn’t happen) Now I was in the park on a sunny day. I can assume it got too hot? This is a 2 month old player and it is frustrating without the LCD readout. Any ideas on how to restore it. Or am I screwed? ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895/2 "2003-08-18T03:57:10Z")
Those LCDs are often connected to the circuit board with a flexible cable attached with a special conductive adhesive process. You can try running a _warm_ soldering iron tip across the connection points on both sides while applying a bit of pressure, but if this fails, it’s basically hosed. Warm means you can touch it without serious discomfort. Let the iron heat up and unplug it before it gets too uncomfortable to touch for an extended time period. I’ve had some success with this, but more often than not, it doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895/3 "2003-08-18T04:06:23Z")
Before taking a soldering iron to it, is it still under warranty? If so, try fixing it yourself, and you really _will_ be screwed. Return it. Say it’s broken, and that you didn’t mistreat it (taking it to the park on a sunny day hardly qualifies as abuse). Get them to fix it or replace it. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895/4 "2003-08-18T04:11:28Z")
Before taking a soldering iron to it, is it still under warranty? If so, try fixing it yourself, and you really _will_ be screwed. Return it. Say it’s broken, and that you didn’t mistreat it (taking it to the park on a sunny day hardly qualifies as abuse). Get them to fix it or replace it. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895/5 "2003-08-18T05:44:31Z")
It’s pretty much done for- New CD/MP3 players can be had for $50 or less. If it’s not damaged it may still be in warranty. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-readout-help-on-cd-player/195895/6 "2003-08-18T05:49:10Z")
I didn’t see the bit where the player is only two months old. It is almost certainly still under warranty. You will probably have to send it back to the manufacturer yourself, but take it back where you bought it and ask about warranty service.