The following is a guide to replacing the LCD display screen in the dashboard of Mk7 Ford Fiestas. The images correspond to an early (2008-2012) pre-facelift model, but as far as I know the later ones are fitted in the same way. Be sure to get the right part number, as there are several different versions of the display, which may or may not be compatible. The most basic has two lines of text. I have heard that it’s possible to replace this type with the full matrix display, but don’t take my word on it, I haven’t tried it!
Take care when using tools in your car, the soft touch surfaces are easily damaged. Any work carried out is at your own risk. If in doubt stop and consult a professional.
First you need to carefully pry up the plastic trim piece that surrounds the screen. The best things to use are plastic pry tools, as these shouldn’t scratch anything. Alternatively you can use flat bladed screwdrivers. There are no screws to undo, it simply clips in. Start at the front edge, nearest the windscreen. The clips are very tight, so a strong pull is needed, but being careful not to crack the trim.
Here I’ve turned the trim panel upside down so you can see where the clips are. There are no clips at the CD player end, it simply hooks into the top of the fascia panel.
Once you’ve removed the trim piece the screen is exposed.
Undo the two Torx screws marked below and carefully lift it out.
Now gently turn the screen over and disconnect the multiplug from the back of the screen unit. There is no need to unclip the wiring from the dashboard, it is just long enough.
Installation of the new screen is simply the reverse of the process, plug in the multiplug, sit the screen in place and replace the two Torx screws. It’s a good idea to test it at this stage before replacing the trim piece. Once you’re happy that everything is working, simply press the trim panel back into place. The Ford part number for the screen I installed was 8A6T-18B955-BL, this is the orange matrix display. So far as I can tell the two line display has a two letter code starting with A at the end. There are also white versions, as fitted to cars with Sony stereo systems, and blue ones on cars from 2012 onwards (facelift model). Apparently the white and orange ones are interchangeable, but the blue ones are not compatible. Again, I haven’t tried it, so don’t assume this is correct! I got my screen from a breaker’s yard via eBay.
