found a scratch on the screen. Question - is the screen itself replaceable?

 

I doubt it

 

I have no idea if it's replaceable or not, but if it was I am sure it would cost an arm and a leg. For safety sake of the LCD, make sure you use a top quality MF cloth to clean the LCD screen. Anything else could cause scratches, so why take the chance.

 

It is shown here for around $600.00

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

 

^

MF cloth FTW!

 

thanks-I appreciate the help. I can't figure out how it happened, since I always use a micro fibre cloth to clean it.

 

Maybe something like this is worhtwhile. I have one on my Pocket PC and Magellan GPS:

7" screen protector

http://store.cellphoneaddon.com/univ...-4483-asc.html

(I have no affiliation or experience with this vendor)

 

...so what you're saying is that something like this is worthwhile?

 

These things cover the screen and are either heavy vinyl that sticks with static or stiff clear plastic that has an adhesive back. I forgot which one I got for my PPC, but it was a fancier one that also has glare resistance. They won't fix scratches; they just prevent them. Same idea as putting a clear bra on the front of the car.

 

I used the extra scraps of 3M film (paint protector) after I did the hood, bumper etc to cut a piece out for the screen. It works great but now it has that shiny look instead of that flat texture.

 

Chances are that the screen is fine and it's just the touchpanel that is scratched, but that doesn't make it any better.

After taking mine apart I saw that it's really well put together, so even if you could find a touchpanel or replacement that would be compatible, taking it off would be a pain in the ***. There's a little rubber strip that runs around the entire screen to cushion the area where the dash itself (the part with the vents) rests against the screen.

My guess is that if you find a sympathetic dealer or this becomes an issue over the long run, you might get a replacement, otherwise...

I know Nissan had problems with the earlier screens on the Maximas because they would collect dust between the TFT and the panel. They were replacing it under warranty for some people, but that was a couple of years ago and these are built differently.