coding a new instrument cluster

[jonathanfenton]

Because you need the full VAG computer to do it, VCDS which is what most Indi’s have will code a new one but only the VAG one will recode second hand ones. I had same with an ECU, anyone would code a new one but only people with proper VAG computer could code old ones to a different car as it needs to get immobiliser info from VAG database which is obviously not up for sale for RossTech to tap into.

[Crasher]

Even VCDS cannot code in a new one without the SKC or PIN code, the former is no longer available and the PIN has to be extracted using specialist software.

[stephenwhite990]

Looks like im stuffed then , 1700 quid for a new cluster , anyone want to buy an audi a3 which will only open and lock with the key ????

[jonathanfenton]

Try Volkservice in Blackpool, even if it’s a long drive it won’t be £1700 in diesel lol

[Crasher]

Any VAG specialist with ODIS and GEKO access can code in a used panel. The dealers can as well but they lie and say they can't.

[VAG-Abound]

What's the set of components that would be needed from a donor car to avoid non-VCDS recoding hassle? Imobiliser in cluster with matching keys, ignition barrel and ECU? Or does it do wider than that?

[Crasher]

You would need the keys chip, instruments and engine ECU. The chip can be evil to get out without breaking it but the alternative is fitting the lock barrel from the donor car and putting up with mismatching keys which winds me up.

[jonathanfenton]

You’d still need to recode the options the car has as the donor car will likely differ

[VAG-Abound]

You would need the keys chip, instruments and engine ECU. The chip can be evil to get out without breaking it but the alternative is fitting the lock barrel from the donor car and putting up with mismatching keys which winds me up.

Would leaving the donor key that matches the donor cluster on the keyring at ignition be enough, or does it have to be closer?

[VAG-Abound]

You’d still need to recode the options the car has as the donor car will likely differ

As long as you can do that with VCDS it sounds like a decent route. It's the non-VCDS that seems to be the blocker.