replacing the instument panel cluster
 

1998 A4 avant Wagon V6 5spd

the speedometer sticks at random spots and a "light tap" on the dash above the cluster un-sticks it, also won't go above 57 mph. and I might have broken the plastic shield in the front of the cluster...long story.


anyway, if i buy a new or used cluster, will I have to have the mileage reprogrammed into it or does the cluster simply display the mileage information held in the vehicle computer? also, is there a different cluster for manual trans vs auto trans?

thanks for the input

I may be very wrong so definitely get another opinion.. but I think the mileage is NOT stored in the computer, solely the cluster and you are NOT able to change it - I think it's some sort of "tampering" law which is no doubt very illegal. If you switch the cluster you just have to remember how many miles to add to what it says to get the total miles on the motor.
Again, I believe I read this somewhere and I'm not positive on the validity.

No idea if the clusters are the same across transmissions.

huh, well I don't want to change the mileage, I just want to change the cluster and retain the current mileage of the vehicle...problem is, there isn't an Audi dealer anywhere near me to set the correct mileage.

anyone have any input on if it has to got to a dealership or if there are other methods of setting the mileage after replacing the instrument panel?

Is it possible to send the new cluster to the dealership to have them change the mileage then have them ship it back? Or do you have to show up with it in the car?

I would welcome input from anyone who has done this.

anyone?

Mileage is stored on an EEPROM in the cluster. It can be reset to some value less than 100 miles, then updated to the "proper" mileage using VAG-COM / VCDS.

There are services that will reset the mileage for you. The dealer won't do this unless you buy a brand new cluster... which will probably cost nearly $1k when all is said-and-done.

Another method is to get a new/different cluster, then swap the EEPROM chip from your old cluster to the new one. This will retain mileage information. I've done it this way before.
If you can solder and disassemble the clusters, this method will only cost whatever you pay for a replacement cluster.

Keep in mind that if you get a new cluster, you may need to change its basic programming using VAG-COM / VCDS. This means setting it up for auto/manual, 4-cylinder/6-cylinder, North America/Europe, etc. This is not difficult but you do of course need the right tools.