need advice from an electronics engineer

[topfuel]

I feel like an idiot for doing this but,
I had the brainiac idea to install my Snap-on scanner permanantly
in my car, out of sight. So I carefully removed the LCD display and
mounted it nicely in the dash, and mounted the rest of the scanner out of sight. This required longer lengths of ribbon wire
to the LCD. The problem I have is that the scanner doesn't
work correctly now
The display just shows a bunch of letters, numbers and $$$ signs
scrolling across the screen. I have a bad feeling that I zapped
a microchip or something, now I'm totally lost.
I know this is a longshot but does anyone have any idea what
I can do to get my scanner working again?
Once again, I feel like a real dumba$$ for doing this in the
first place

 

[salvageV6]

Perhaps go back to square 1 which is put the display back in the case properly with short leads and see if it works. Might be crossed or shorted wiring?

Doesn't sound good however.

 

[UrbsNSpices]

Not to be a smart ass but, ask the manufacturer. Im sure during developement the engineers toasted lots and lots of units in many interesting way. I know I do.

Probibly just a flipped wire. Also inspect your solder joints, something could have popped off during the install. Check all the joints even ones from the factory. Anything you might have stressed. Check for cold solder joints. The should all be bright and shiney. If you are unsure reheat them. I wouldnt drop the project either. An indash scan tool is sweet. Better then the 70s fuzz buster looking thing up on the dash.

 

[topfuel]

Thanks guys...

SalvageV6,
I'm working on going back to square one. I did find that the
original "flat flexible cable" has 4 ohms resistance on each
conductor, the new setup has zero resistance, maybe that
might affect the display
UrbsNSpices,
I've seen bad solder joints in the past, so I'll take a careful
look at everything, I still want to see this project work because
I already devoted a bunch of time making custom brackets and
things. I removed the radio and mounted the LCD in its place,
It fits really well and looks awesome, the rest of the scanner
is hidden inside the empty radio pocket.
I just wish it would work now...

If all else fails, I'll probably bite the bankroll and buy a Turbolink
and laptop setup