kjb99

Have a problem that I hope someone can help with. I recently put back together a '01 2.7T that was damaged and striped to use as a track car. I had to aquire a instrument cluster which came from a '00 2.7T which when installed doesn't allow car to run. My dealer informed me that this is due to the immobilizer III system in the car. The dealer can replace the cluster and then program the code from the car to the new cluster so it will match the keys, ecu and cluster. Problem is that they refuse to code a cluster I bring to them (out of another wrecked car), instead they will only do it if I buy the cluster from them at around $2000. Obviously I want to avoid this, anyone with any knowledge of how it can be done with any aftermarket programmer or the like I would greatly appreciate it, it is not that I don't want to patronize my dealer, I just hate getting screwed. Thanks

Bollinger

It is illegal in the US for a car company to try to force you to buy parts from them. Speaking to AoA should force the issue on your dealer. Unless...

It is very possible that an instrument cluster can only be coded once. If you buy one new it would be "blank" and can be coded to your car. Any you find in a junkyard would already have been coded to another car and cannot be recoded.

Once again, a knowledgable person at AoA would know whether this is the case or not.

April

Tampering with a odo, is a big no-no. If they program the cluster ( if do-able ), the original mileage on the cluster remains whether it is correct or not. If you sell the car at a later date and misrepresent the mileage, the dealer can be listed as an accomplice and lose their sales and repair licsence.

When a NEW odo is installed, the shop/dealer must install a sticker in the car and file a paper with the DMV, stating "TMU' True Miles Unkown.

A good reputable tuner who knows their way around a VAG tool/1552, should be able to help you out if the cluster is cross compatible. Keep in mind that Audi constantly updates parts though, and there may be 1/2 a dozen revisions from the production time of your car, and your new dash cluster.

Jon C

I don't see them forcing him to buy the part from them, they're just saying they won't perform the *service* of recoding on a customer supplied part. Nothing wrong with that IMO for all the reasons April mentions re: liability and odo certifications.

kjb99

Miles are not an issue, I bought the car with a salvage title and TMU for the odometer reading so I really don't care what the mileage will show. Any thoughts on a tuner to contact? I know plenty of BMW tuners but not up to speed with any for Audi. Also, provided the dealer will give me the code for the car, can the cluster be programmed outside the vehicle or would they need the car with the cluster in it?

dpd

if vag software is capable that's half the battle.first mountain is obtaining the code #'s from aoa,2nd mountainis that there is no way of clearing the odometer.depending on cluster make will determine if sending it back to the manufacture to get reset.note;you would have to know the mileage of your car

April

What area are you in ?

kjb99

Northern Ohio, about 30 miles south of Cleveland.

Richard Solomon

If dealer will provide this, then you only need to buy a copy of <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/79947.phtml">AESIS</a> for the instructions ($100) and <a href="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/index.html">Vag-Com</a> ($200) to actually do it.

As April mentioned, you'll need the "right" instrument cluster as well.