Instrument cluster reprogram

[AnthraciteA4]

I have a 99.5 A4 2.8 Quattro Tiptronic WITHOUT the trip computer built into the gauge cluster. My cluster is scratched to crap, and I would much rather have a trip computer if I buy a new cluster. Is it possible to buy a used cluster from a 2000 or 2001 and then plug and pray? Or would I need to rewire things and swap connectors? Does anyone have experience replacing clusters, I have heard alot about "swapping due to bad pixels" but I wasn't able to find a write up or any other specific information.

Thanks in advance

[4ringAR]

i think that onemoremile did this. the one he used was from a 1998 2.8(since some early 2.8's got the LCD display). using one from the 1998 retained the analog clock.

[speedydragon]

I like how you used plug and "pray" instaled of play! good luck with your project ^^

[GR-RALLYE]

i think daft explains everything about what you are trying to do in here http://audizine.com/forum/showthread...t=cluster+swap

[victorvu]

well what are you trying to reprogram theres a shop here in CA that does mileage reprogramming. if thats what you're really thinking about. its call speedometer down in palo alto, CA

http://www.paspeedo.com/ thats their website

[AnthraciteA4]

well what are you trying to reprogram theres a shop here in CA that does mileage reprogramming. if thats what you're really thinking about. its call speedometer down in palo alto, CA

http://www.paspeedo.com/ thats their website

Thanks for the tip, that will come in handy since the mileage will be different. I REALLY do want a trip computer though.

[onemoremile]

The mileage cannot be reprogrammed after 62 miles or 100km is on the odometer. You'll need a cluster with a trip computer and an analog clock to ensure it will communicate with the car. Vag-Com can recode year, trans type, turbo or not, etc. easily. I don't know if the trip computer is housed entirely within the cluster or not.

[AnthraciteA4]

Trip computer and analog clock... so in other words the 2000+ won't work. Also what about the windshield wiper stalk? I never had a trip computer to begin with, so I think mine is different than cars that were factory equipped.

[GramCracker]

the one he used was from a 1998 2.8(since some early 2.8's got the LCD display). using one from the 1998 retained the analog clock.

My old '97 2.8 had the LCD Display...

[AnthraciteA4]

I located a suitable cluster, I am just sitting on edge since I have a 99.5. I DO still have an analog clock so I am going to assume I need to go with what onemoremile says, but I still don't know about the wiper stalk. I don't know what the trip equipped wiper stalks look like.

[onemoremile]

If you don't have the stalk buttons then I don't know. It could just be the stalk or it could be connectors and additional wiring too.

[GR-RALLYE]

I located a suitable cluster, I am just sitting on edge since I have a 99.5. I DO still have an analog clock so I am going to assume I need to go with what onemoremile says, but I still don't know about the wiper stalk. I don't know what the trip equipped wiper stalks look like.

i have a wiper stalk for sale outa my old car with the trip buttons if you decide to try and get the trip computer.

[4ringAR]

If you don't have the stalk buttons then I don't know. It could just be the stalk or it could be connectors and additional wiring too.

did your car come with the wiper stalk for the display?

My old '97 2.8 had the LCD Display...

im not totally sure what you are trying to say with this comment, but the 1996/97's have a different style cluster with more hash marks. see example:

[AnthraciteA4]

I think he is referring to something like this. It is a 1998.


Can someone post a picture of what a stalk with controls looks like.

[AudiSport12]

my 97 1.8t has the trip comp with anolog clock
bad pics

[AnthraciteA4]

Audisport12,

I appreciate the pictures. Unfortunately I got hosed. I had bid on a 2000 cluster only to find out it doesn't work. Luckily I got out of it, but in the meantime someone snatched up the one I was looking at and posted the pic of on here. I think I have the appropriate wiper switch, so I just have to find a set of gauges again.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[onemoremile]

did your car come with the wiper stalk for the display?

It did but it also came with the trip computer. Mine was dropping random lines and fading in the TL corner. By the end of the summer the upper third was unreadable. I got lucky that the replacement cluster's mileage was only off by 6k miles and the trip display was perfect. I usually have it off but noticed that the corner fades when it is over 90 out.