[highndry]

Having searched the forum, I find that a previous occurrence of this problem was fixed by instrument cluster replacement under warranty. Not an option for my 2011  I30 Comfort CRDi 1.6. There is no flicker when the lights are on, so this is not caused by a 'noisy' brilliance control. Rather it is the odometer screen  illumination which comes on initially when the door is opened, then again when the ignition is switched on. The flickering started as an occasional fault, but is now very frequent.

I am hoping that the fault might lie external to the instrument cluster. It would be great if someone with experience of I30 electrics could provide some pointers.

[nzenigma]

All lies in the circuit: quote..........................

I believe that the OP's problem probably lies with the chip that dims the display when headlights are on.

The circuit has 12 LEDs , divided into 6 randomly placed pairs. Each pair is powered via a basic zener circuit. It seems that 3 zeners are switched off during headlight operation.

Unfortunately, without a circuit to guide me and the fault being intermittent I ran out of time to go further.
This may help some enthusiast , the notion that it is just a dry joint doesnt play at this stage,

2009 i30 dashboard background light unstable

[highndry]

Thanks for the link. I'll have a go at removing the cluster using this technique. My model is different though, having two screws under the cowl which will require removal before pulling forward.

Are there any gotchas I should be aware of?

[nzenigma]

I suspect that the electronic repair will be above your pay level 

The easy cure lies in a wreckers cluster, so get one with low mileage; what ever it is , it stays embedded in the replacement.

[highndry]

I suspect that the electronic repair will be above your pay level 

I'm a retired electronics engineer, hopefully not too rusty. 

[tw2005]

I suspect that the electronic repair will be above your pay level 

I'm a retired electronics engineer, hopefully not too rusty. 

  @The Gonz 

I'll be interested on the reported findings, and solution.

[The Gonz]

I was THIS close to posting not to make assumptions about skills and quals.

In any case, there could be a level of effort better spent on a replacement cluster. I haven't taken either option yet.

Regards,
A fully employed Electronics Engineer.

[nzenigma]

I suspect that the electronic repair will be above your pay level 

I'm a retired electronics engineer, hopefully not too rusty. 

apologies mate,  rare to find people here with any hands on skill in anything, and also adaptability.

I side with the Gonz re practically another cluster will be the easiest route. Its an intermittent fault, so if you have the time to set up the test procedures that I outlined, ( or similar) you will eventually have a win.

Good luck, we await.