Thanks for taking the time to read this!

I have the base stereo system with the single-line red dot matrix LED display in my 2011 Lancer ES Sportback. I'm currently experiencing a problem where the display intermittently displays at different levels of brightness. If I smack on the dash near the display, it sometimes will go back up to full brightness. It may even go back to very dim.

I've pulled the control panel section of the dash off, loosened the LED panel and board, and looked at the display without viewing it through the red filter/lens. It's not completely off. Without the red filter blocking it, it shows a very dim white display. There doesn't appear to be any obviously burnt components on the PCB. The capacitors didn't appear to be swollen. However, smacking the dash near the display can alter the brightness. A good ol' technical tap.

When it happened: I was driving down the road one day when I heard a pop come from the center of the dash. Nothing happened. After I arrived at my destination and came back out, the car started but the display was very dim. I smacked it and it came back. Then it got a bit worse as the days went on.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I've been able to find the entire control panel section of the dash on ebay, etc., which includes the display. They're at least $50 with cosmetic defects — much more expensive though in better condition. I might be able to remove just the display and control boards from one with cosmetic defects, but I want to try to reach out to see if there's some wise counsel out there about what might be wrong.

Or if there are some electronics diagnostics I could do, maybe I could replace the failing component.

Again, thanks so much for taking the time to read this and consider helping!

— Kevin