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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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....

 

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

 

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