Fitting a new instrument cluster

[descarl]

Hi

I've been having problems with my instrument cluster, DIS fading and ABS light coming on. I've finally managed to find a replacement that according to the part number (I checked with the part number listed on vagcat.com) should be a straight swap. My question is that will I need to get the new instrument cluster coded to the car when I fit it (it's a 1998 A4 Avant tdi 110)? If it does need to be coded is it something I can do myself or is it a back to Audi job to fit and code it?

Apologies if this has been dealt with before but I did a search and can't find any details.

Thanks

Carl

[munster]

I may be mistaken but, I think, in your year car the immobilizer is built into the dash cluster. Would you need to recode your keys and the engine ecu to the new dash?!!!
I'm only a novice at all this but I'm pretty sure if you search on the various Audi forums you will find the definitive answer.

[descarl]

Hi

Thanks for that, I was pretty sure that was the case. I'll have a word with my local independent specialist to see how much fitting is going to cost.

Carl

[adamss24]

Hi, the keys and ECU needs matching to the new dash instruments as the immo is built in. This is a job that needs diagnostic equipment and if you are a novice at working with Vag-com, then you better go to a audi specialist. Good luck.

[n25gabe]

Hi I had a simila headache with my passat...
Problem: battery was knackered, tried starting the car, cluster went all guages, speedo and revs.
My solution
So went to scrapyards.... eventually found the right one, keep in mind it has to be identical, needle colours, numbers on the speedo... most importantly model number on the dash mine was 3b0 919 920 d, i cant strees how important it is to get the exact same one.

I then went out and bought vag-com, brill, installed it nipped down to my local vw dealer, "SKC code please... heres my vin, proof of ownership immob ids.." word of warning DONT EVEN BOTHER GOING TO VW they have changed there systems, they cant give you the code!!! if you dont have the original skc code they cant tell you it, even the guys servicing/repairing your car cannot see what it is.

OK so this lef me stumped.... lots of grey hairs later and googling all the different chips, I identified what the eeprom chip was (dials facing away from you top left is a 8pin chip) so theory goes swap the two chips round... now anyone competent with the ol soldering iron should be able to do this, me being extremely nervous about overheating the eeprom took the dash to these guys http://www.integratedelectronicsystems.com/ changed the chip no probs. Plugged it all back into the car, original mileage came up.... turned the key immob light dissapeared engine started... and stayed running, all my guages work fine.

So it is possible to chop and change the cluster without paying extortianate dealer prices. My scrapyard cluster cost me £50 + £20 for the chip swap and it all works sweet as.

This problem gave me weeks of headaches and could have been very easily solved. I hope this may save other people lots of time and money