I seem to remember something about an issue with the displays on these old
flukes going bad (Loss of contrast) something to do with the actual liquid
crystal . Shine a light on the display and see if you can make out a
reading.

No, no reading. Tried looking from every angle.
I also took the panel apart, cleaned the tinned PCB contacts that the
conductive elastomer sits on, but no go.
(in cell phones however, moisture or dirt gets in, then the display
dies, and this treatment cures it in most cases)

Martin