98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

When i got in my car today, 98 A4 2.8 w/ 70K that i've only had for 2 weeks, the digital display that shows the radio station, outside temp, fuel mileage, and gear selection was not showing. It was completely blacked out. When i first started the car, it did like normal and the digital guage told me to put my foot on the break and select a gear, and got the orange 'ok' signal, but then the display goes black. Anyone have this kinda trouble before ? I tried searching other posts but had little luck in what might be the cause of the problem. Thanks for the help.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

I have a 98 A4 2.8 and my LCD is crapping out. Mine works for the first 20 min, then it's just jumbled crap and I can't see jack. It's been my impression that this is a common problem. If I'm not mistaken, you have to replace the entire insturment cluster.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

Well damn. I'm afraid to even call for a price b/c I know they got to cost an arm and a leg. Anyone ever replaced theirs, or attempt to do it on their own ? If I can save the labor charges then I'll be much more eager to fix it. Thanks for the replies.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec106.shtml

This may help. Let me know if you do it, how it goes and how much it cost you. Thanks.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

Ooops. It's at the end of his post. 400 bones plus VAG-COM use.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

The install seems pretty easy looking at the link posted. I just need to find someone with a VAG-COM, and $400 later, it should be done. It stinks the the damn thing decided to crap out right after I get the car. Oh well, thanks for the help.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

No doubt dude. That totally sucks. Don't suppose you got it from a dealer? Might be worth taking it back in and see if they will do it.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

I decided to call the Audi stealership too see what they would quote me. Unbelievable. They said it would cost $460 for a rebuilt cluster w/ same audi warranty, and then the labor would be an hour and a half and cost $175. So for a grand total of $635 I could get it fixed. By reading the above link, I don't see how it could take more than 30 min. to install it but i'm sure they're busy fondling each other in the garage for the other hour. Oh well....

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

And another thing, I tried checking out Clairparts.com and found a bunch of audi parts but not a cluster.

RE: 98 A4 2.8 digital display help..
 

hahahaha. fondling each other....no doubt. Good luck man, let us know if you find one somewhere other than the dealer.