Chrysler Repair: air conditioning- also brakes: 02 300m., soldering pencil, independent mechanic

Question
Hi- Have a Chrysler 2002 300m with 123,000 miles which has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. The air conditioning has worked great but the lighted display in the center console started to go out(no display)on occasion- and then quit for good. With the display gone- I can't see what the settings are. Any ideas for a fix rather than the air conditioning module replacement(dealer response)?

Looking for better brakes with more stopping power. Any recommendations for pad/rotor/caliper replacement? I am running the stock  chrome spoke mags that came with the car originally.. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Glenn,
I suspect that the digital display on the console is powered by the same power that runs the unit's functions, so if the other controls seem to work then the display may simply have a poor connection to its circuit board. You could open the unit and reheat the solder joints on the circuit board in the vicinity of the display to try and correct the problem. The only external wire for lighting is related to whether you have the headlamps on and how bright the panel lights are supposed to be, which may over ride the built-in display light level intensity. So try a soldering pencil to the display's pins on the circuit board.
On the brakes, I would check at the dealer to see the type of pads that came with the vehicle and also alternatives that Chrysler sells. You may have substituted pads that are too metallic a combination. I don't have any personal experience to recommend but a brake shop (independent) mechanic can also give you some ideas based upon what type of pads you have in already. I doubt that the caliper or disc is important in determining the braking responsiveness.
Please read the PS below.
Thanks,
Roland