Topic: 997 Bubble on screen

[fireman_bob]

Hi,
 My 997 appears to have some bubbles in the top left hand side of the screen. They appear to be voids in the sealant used between the cover glass and screen. This appears to be a manufacturing defect since the screen appears to be completely sealed.
Is there a way to fix this problem?
Thanks.
 

[RGecy]

I had this happen as well. Not much you can do about it.  Bubbles form from temperture changes and collect up in the corner.  If it was still under warranty, you may be able to get something done. But from what I understand, the cost to repair is quite expensive.

How bad is it?

Robert

[fireman_bob]

It's not too bad, just an annoyance. Definitely a manufacturing defect in what appears to be an otherwise quality made product.

[Humminbird_Greg]

How long have you owned the unit (assuming you bought it new)?
You could try calling and sweet-talk the Humminbird CRC person and maybe get it fixed at a discount… Can’t hurt to try.

[fireman_bob]

Hi Greg,
  I tired calling HB but they want the full $$ repair even though it's obviously a manufacturing defect. I bought it used and knew about the issue, so I got a good deal on it. The prior owner bought it new and said the bubbles have been there for quite a while (and haven't moved or grown at all). I don't know why he didn't send it in under warranty. Guess it didn't bother him. 
 I was wondering if it would be possible to inject a clear sealant into that section using a syringe.

 From what I can see, the screen is bedded in RTV into the main body of the unit. The bubbles are in between the cover glass and the screen so I would need to push the screen out slightly. It appears there's some sort of sealant  between the cover glass and the screen where air got trapped or released as the sealant cured.  I think it would be possible to carefully cut the rtv and push the screen out slightly from the housing, then inject some sort of new sealant in the effected area. . If I knew what I could inject into that section, I might just try it.
Thanks,
Bob

[ITGEEK]

I had this same type of problem when I initially bought my 1197.
I looked at it in the store, and it had bumps/bubbles all around the
front plastic.  I first thought this was some fancy design.
When I got home and took a closer look, I realized that this
was some sort of defect, or they sold me a demo unit that
must have sat in a front window, directly in the sun.
My first thought was that the unit had been subjected to
a lot of heat.
I exchanged the item the next day.

[fireman_bob]

The customer service rep I spoke with at Humminbird said they have NEVER heard of this type of problem. Hmmmm, Really?  I find that hard to believe based on the other threads I've seen on the net. Seems like HB isn't the upstanding company I thought they were. Before the internet, companies could get away with that kind of BS. Now with the internet, everything is out there for everyone to read and collaborate about. HB seems to have their head stuck in the sand on this one. Either that or they realize they do have (had) a manufacturing problem and don't want to bear the expense of the repairs, so they just hide behind their story that they've never heard of this and my problem is unique. Either way I'm stuck with a lemon unless I want to pony up the $265 they're asking for to repair "my" problem.

[ITGEEK]

I bought it used and knew about the issue, so I got a good deal on it.

How can you possibly expect Humminbird to pay for this.
Manufacturing defect or not, you knew of the problem, and decided to buy the
unit anyway.  Humminbird has no liability in this at all.

That's like buying a used car with a known transmission noise, then expecting the
car manufacturer to fix it for nothing.

You want to pay a cheap price for a used unit, then want it fixed as new for free.
This isn't reality.
Then, you badmouth Humminbird.
Shame on you.

[RGecy]

Ask to speak to a supervisor and politely let them know you have researched it.  Humminbird has top notch CS in my opinion.  I am sure this not a common issue, and if the CS rep is fairly new, they may not have heard of it.

Even though you bought it this way, they still may be willing to help.

Good luck,

Robert