DIY Fix for Chrysler's Delaminating Media Screen: A Mike's Favorite Things Guide

1. CCR Rocks. 2. See the bubble at the top? That's delamination!

Welcome back to "Mike's Favorite Things," where today I'm diving into the world of automotive DIY fixes. If you own a Chrysler vehicle from 2017 onwards, you might be familiar with a frustrating issue: the delamination of the media screen. This not only affects the aesthetics of your car's interior but can lead to some truly hair-raising malfunctions. Today, I'll share how I tackled this common problem without shelling out a hefty sum at the dealership.

The Problem: Screen Delamination Chaos
In my case, it was my son's 2018 Jeep Compass that started showing a small bubble at the bottom right corner of the screen. What started as a minor annoyance quickly escalated. The bubble spread, and soon the touch functions went haywire—changing radio stations randomly, triggering unwanted navigation, and muting calls during conversations. Dealership quotes for a full replacement? A whopping $1400. Ouch.

The DIY Solution: Courage and a Little Internet Help
Refusing to fork over that kind of cash without a fight, I turned to the internet for answers and stumbled upon a potential DIY fix that seemed a bit risky but worth a try. Inspired by a helpful video from Claremont Classic Garage, I decided to roll up my sleeves and give it a go.  The Youtube video is below....

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Gorilla Tough & Clear Mounting Tape: This double-sided tape was crucial for reattaching the screen securely. Find it here
• GOOACC Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit: These tools helped me dismantle the dashboard without scratching it. Available here
• Goo Gone Original Liquid: Essential for removing any residual adhesive safely. Purchase here
• EHDIS Plastic Razor Scraper: Perfect for gently scraping off the old adhesive without damaging the screen. Check it out here
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• 2 Utility towels, Paper towels, Cotton swabs and cotton balls
• Patience...and 2 hours of time

Step-by-Step Guide (Watch the video):

1. Preparation: Gather all your tools and materials. Ensure you have a clean, well-lit workspace.  Wax paper is a good thing to place the stereo on.  
2. Disassembly: Carefully use the trim removal tools to open the dashboard and access the media screen.
3. Cleaning: Remove the old adhesive with the plastic razor and apply Goo Gone to clean the surfaces thoroughly.  The alcohol will also work...be patient...this part is the most time consuming.  You will need to use a lot of cotton, paper toweels and swabs...slowly but surely, the glue will come off.
4. Application of New Adhesive: Apply the Gorilla Mounting Tape to the screen edges where the original adhesive failed.  Us an exacto knife or a razor blade to cut the tape....
5. Reassembly: Carefully place the screen back, ensuring it's securely fixed and reconnect any dislodged cables.
6. Testing: Before fully assembling the dashboard, test the screen to make sure everything is in working order.

The result? A fully functional media screen at a fraction of the cost. The total for parts came to just about $34, a far cry from the $1400 quoted by the dealership.  It took me about 2 hours and a lot of patience.  Getting the existing glue off was a little bit of a hassle, but with the goo gone and isopropyl alcohol, it came off eventually.  I also used a lot of cotton swabs and cotton balls.

Conclusion: DIY Triumph
This project was a perfect blend of necessity and challenge, turning a frustrating defect into a satisfying afternoon project. Not only did I save money, but I also gained a deeper understanding of how things work behind the dashboard.

For anyone facing similar issues with their vehicle's electronics, consider looking up some tutorials and assessing if a DIY fix is feasible for you. Sometimes, the solution is just a YouTube video away.

Stay tuned to "Mike's Favorite Things" for more tips on navigating the quirks of technology, both in your home and your vehicle. And remember, when it comes to car repairs, a little DIY can go a long way!

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