[mattylondon]

I would certainly say you need the 'Entry and start authorisation control unit' connected. This module broadcasts the 'wake up' over CAN. But as you don't have access to the donor car you'll be using a different used unit which will force the cluster to go into component protection - i.e. limited function and a red screen. See the picture. CP can be removed by the main dealer. I was doing a bit of research on extracting the binary from modules then editing them with the aim of doing CP removal at home. Although it's on the back burner as I've more important jobs as home.

There are easier VW clusters to hack and make them dance as you want.