Instrument Cluster Replacement '99 A4 2.5TDI Quattro

[aliw]

Hi Guys,
My instrument cluster is just about dead (display malfunctions, time clock not working, voltmeter reads 10v max only) on my '99 facelift 2.5tdi Quattro and I have managed to source a replacement used dash for it (identical part numbers). Now all I need to do is get it swapped over! Took it to a local VW/Audi independant specialist and they could not do the job, enquired with my local main dealer and they wanted £200 +Vat to do it, but could not give any guarantee's they could as it is a used part! I also sent the original unit off to BBA reman and they could not do anything with it as someone has done a botched job of changing the display!
Anyways...I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere that may be able to clone my dash and re-program the new one, or if anyone has the software (been told that vag tacho / dash software may work?) that can do this and are interested in earning a few quid. I live Bridgend S.Wales, and although the car is still used daily I have nightmares about the dash packing up completely and leaving me immobilised somewhere!
Any help would be much appreciated.

[aliw]

Hi,

If nobody can assist with information about getting my instrument cluster changed, can anyone recommend anywhere that might be able to swap the EPROM's on the units? Obviously I would like some assurances that they will not wipe the chip and leave me completely immobilised!! Any help would be much appreciated.

[yaman]

It would far easier to code the new cluster than to start swapping eproms.

You need to keep phoning round to find someone who can do it, most workshops
have a person that's savvy in these things.

Try auto-locksmiths, auto-sparks and tuners as well as vag specalist.

Regards
Jim

[RWidenbar]

Hi Guys,
My instrument cluster is just about dead (display malfunctions, time clock not working, voltmeter reads 10v max only) on my '99 facelift 2.5tdi Quattro and I have managed to source a replacement used dash for it (identical part numbers). Now all I need to do is get it swapped over! Took it to a local VW/Audi independant specialist and they could not do the job, enquired with my local main dealer and they wanted £200 +Vat to do it, but could not give any guarantee's they could as it is a used part! I also sent the original unit off to BBA reman and they could not do anything with it as someone has done a botched job of changing the display!
Anyways...I was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere that may be able to clone my dash and re-program the new one, or if anyone has the software (been told that vag tacho / dash software may work?) that can do this and are interested in earning a few quid. I live Bridgend S.Wales, and although the car is still used daily I have nightmares about the dash packing up completely and leaving me immobilised somewhere!
Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi aliw, did you get anywhere with this? I'm have exactly the same situation and its driving me mad (no where!). Audi dealership was clueless... I knew more than they did?
Any info you could add would be helpful
Cheers Richard

[Doctle Odd]

Get someone with VCDS to code the dash it's not very difficult see Immobilizer IV Immobilizer Swapping (Instrument Cluster) - Ross-Tech Wiki

[RWidenbar]

Get someone with VCDS to code the dash it's not very difficult see Immobilizer IV Immobilizer Swapping (Instrument Cluster) - Ross-Tech Wiki

Cheers...

[adamss24]

Hi aliw, did you get anywhere with this? I'm have exactly the same situation and its driving me mad (no where!). Audi dealership was clueless... I knew more than they did?
Any info you could add would be helpful
Cheers Richard

Hi Richard, i could code the instruments/immo for you no problem, i take it that the car is not driveable ? If you can drive it to N. London then i can do it here- no problem, if you cannot then i could drive to you but i would have to charge you something towards the fuel ! What's your postcode ? You can give me a ring on 07789912128 if you need to discuss ! Regards,
Chris.

[PaulF2.5TDi]

You need to get the SKC from the cluster to code keys etc.

VCDS will not do this.

A program such as VagTacho will do this, but I think VagTacho talk is all but banned on here due to all the e-bay copies. The licensed version is squillions of pounds, so isn't worth a DIY guy buying for the 1 or 2 times it'll be used, which is a shame.

If a bad person had a £10 e-bay copy of VagTacho, he would be better getting the SKC from the cluster then coding the keys etc with a Licensed version of VCDS to reduce the possibility of bricking his dash.

That's not what I did when I did my 1999 2.5TDi Avant dash.

[aliw]

Hi, I did find a local guy that is a bit of a genius when it comes to ECU repairs etc. All the local dealers use him...as he blows their socks off when it comes to rectifying electrical/ecu gremlins. Took the car up with the dodgy dash, and the replacement dash (exactly the same part number) and within 10 min he had swapped the eprom over (tiny little 3 pin chip under rev counter if memory serves), stuck the new cluster in and hey presto...all worked perfectly(well apart form a pixelated display, that he changed at a later date)...and the mileage had transferred with the eprom as well.

[RWidenbar]

Hi Richard, i could code the instruments/immo for you no problem, i take it that the car is not driveable ? If you can drive it to N. London then i can do it here- no problem, if you cannot then i could drive to you but i would have to charge you something towards the fuel ! What's your postcode ? You can give me a ring on 07789912128 if you need to discuss ! Regards,
Chris.

Hi Chris, The car still drives with the old cluster in. So I am happy to come find you. I'll give you a ring tomorrow.

Thanks for your help