hi
I have a 2004 1.8T Cabriolet and several things happened today
1. the digital clock display and mileage reader are just a few distorted lines so cant be read
2. The handbrake sign came on when going around any roundabout and there is a ping sound but the handbreak is not on
It did this about two weeks ago when it was 1 degree out side and today it is similar temperature - not sure if it is linked to weather or not
Please let me know what could be the problems to issue 1 and issue 2 and how to fix
Many thanks

 

Concern 1: your gonna need to buy a new instrument cluster.
Concern 2: could be that your brake fluid level is low. Recommend you check it and top it off with Dot 4 brake fluid if needed. You should also check your brake pads to make sure they aren't low cuz that could also be the reason why brake fluid level is low.
Hope this helps.