Windscreen Cluster Compatibility

[ScottD3]

I'm thinking about swapping my normal cluster for a widescreen version and looking on ebay at all the different clusters has raised the odd question.

My car is 06 facelift, would widescreen clusters from a newer (say 08) fit in fine?
What about a pre-facelift cluster?

Is there any visual differences between facelift and pre-facelift clusters?

Any DIS option difference?

VCDS hidden extras?
E.G. Speedo in the DIS.

Finding a widescreen TDI cluster at a reasonable price seems tricky. I'm thinking of getting a petrol unit and swapping the dials over for the revs and changing the coding via VCDS to make the cluster a TDI.

I've done this a couple of times for the B5s but never on a A8.
It looks like the dials can be swapped over, the same way as the B5s but I'm not sure on the coding.
Can anyone confirm if a TDI or Petrol cluster can be coded to the other fuel type?

[manca]

Thought I'd jump on this post and plead for some assistance .

My instrument cluster is playing up. It doesn't always light up when I start the car, problem seems to manifest if I leave it standing for plenty of hours, but not over a shorter period. Up until now it has always sprung into life within the first 60 seconds or so (usually nearer 15-30 secs), assuming it doesn't just start normally from the off. I can hear a ticking sound until it starts and occasionally the illumination 'pulses' alongside the ticking. There is no visible Time/Date or mileage. None of the gauges work nor warning lights etc.

Once it comes on everything is normal all the warning lights do what I'd expect, gauges also work fine. If I switch car off and back on everything is normal from the off (or has been so far).

Anyway car is in with a local independent haemorrhaging cash and I got a call earlier to say this particular problem is with the cluster and it needs replacing.

Anyone any experience of swapping them over. I can see units on Ebay at variable costs.... are they plug and play (Tdi to Tdi). What happens with the mileometer. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[snapdragon]

I think this is bad battery - during crank some CAN messages go missing due to low voltage.

[manca]

Hi Snapdragon

Thanks for the reply. When I dropped the car off yesterday this was their immediate reaction. Bloke who spoke to me today said the cluster had an intermittent fault, I asked if he had ruled out the battery, he went away, came back and told me yes. Said they had made sure because of how expensive it would be to replace.

I wondered if it was linked to my clock constantly resetting (and date as well as all the ave speed/mileage data etc on both 1 and 2 in the DIS). Cars done this ever since I got it (2 plus years), but no problems with the cluster actually working until about three weeks ago.

[mannyo]

Buying a used cluster means you are stuck with the mileage display of the donor cluster plus getting component protection removed by Audi. A new cluster can be swapped right in and the mileage coded once only by VCDS and no CP. Make sure the mileage is entered correctly into the brand new cluster as once saved it becomes permanent.

[manca]

thanks mannyo . Not what I hoped but very helpful. Time to find out how much a new one costs so I can feel better about never having the correct mileage again......

[ScottD3]

I'm not convinced thats correct about the miles Mannyo.

CP will need removing, we all know that but being stuck with the miles from that clock I don't think is right.

You must be able to change them.
Mainly dealer might not for their own reasons.
There is software (Which I got) to change miles on clocks pre-2003.

[M-A8]

OK, to clarify couple of things.

Cluster is a straight swap.

CP:
- this can be removed by the dealer or independent VAG specialist.
Dealer will charge around 30quid
Independent VAG around 60quid

Mileage correction CANNOT be done via VCDS, only Dealer or a ''Guy''

Dealer will perform both only if you have a proper receipt for the cluster to prove its not from a stolen car, otherwise they are not interested.
They will want around 160+Vat if you go there without the trims or 320+vat if you go there and let them to do all of it, that is cluster swap, mileage and CP.

Mileage correction
This can be done outside dealership and it requires serious bit of kit.
The ''Guy'' charges 70quid

So, outside Dealership this will cost you around 130 and no hassle and via dealer 160-320+vat and there is slightly more involved.

[Delboy]

It was my understanding that the cluster can be mileage changed by the dealer assuming it's not greater then 100 miles which practically is new.

The cp has also to be done regardless of new or old

There is a tool on the market call avdi that can do both the cp and mileage correction without the need to go to audi but it's bloody expensive.

I was considering buying one and missed one on eBay at 1200 pounds second hand.

As to the possibility of fitting a widescreen from a petrol into a diesel and recoding etc you will have to try. I have a widescreen petrol here that you could try if you were to pop by. It's not far in an 8

[ScottD3]

If you had that avdi it could be a good trip but its a long way to go to test fit something and then get the CP locked down.

Would the CP reset if my original clocks would go back in?

On the older clocks there is a code to tell the cluster what engine/car they are installed in.
Is there a code like this for the A8?

The pre 100 mile change it to remove any delivery miles so the car looks newer than it is.
This can be done with VCDS as well.