Are Cluster & Radio Issues Connected?

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Apr 25, 2011 | 03:30 PM

justjustin

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Are Cluster & Radio Issues Connected?

Hi, new to TT's bought a project the other day.
2000 1.8 QuaTTro Coupe

When I put in the key and turn to Acc, the left and right displays come on.
When I start the car they go out.
Gauges don't work, sit at 'zeros' and twitch here and there.
Audi Concert (Bose) Stereo is dead, fuse is good.
Went through all fuses, replaced one for stereo, one for wiper squirt (heater I think) but all others were good.
It did no good, still no display on the stereo, no change in the cluster behavior.

I just ordered a code reader.

Q1 - Are the stereo and cluster related?
Q2 - Can I replace the radio or should I wait until the cluster is Module Mastered?

Flying blind and deaf isn't as fun as it sounds. :O)

Any advice is appreciated, been 21 years since my 84 4000S so
I am way behind the times.

Thanks!

Apr 28, 2011 | 01:21 PM

AudiMick

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From: Redmond WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by justjustin

Did you just order a code reader or a VAG.com?

Vag.com would be useful as it can read audi/VW codes other than standard OBDII stuff, a generic OBDII code will not help you at all as it's likely this is nothing to do with emissions.

Cluster and stereo are only related by the fact that the station displays in the cluster LCD. I know you said you checked the radio fuse, did you check the fuse in the back of the concert or just the one in the fuse panel.

I would pull the radio and disconnect it, if this car had an aftermarket stereo fitted at one time it might be a wiring problem. Also it's easy to short out the wiring above the stereo, there is a plastic plate to separate the wiring but it falls out and ham handed folks end up ripping out the wiring because the radio loom bunches up.

Apr 30, 2011 | 10:00 AM

justjustin

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Just a code reader, thought it would get other error codes, not just emissions.

The fuse in the back of the stereo was blown also.

The cluster and radio both went out at the same time.
The radio never shows a single light of any kind but
the cluster L&R displays show info - only when the key
is first turned to ACC, then nothing.

I need to get the cluster repaired and the radio replaced,
I am thinking. I dont want to do them in the wrong order
an fry them all over again so I am figuring on both at once.

Make sense?

THX

May 1, 2011 | 10:07 AM

AudiMick

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From: Redmond WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by justjustin

Most of the generic code readers only read the standard OBDII code set, the cluster and radio are not part of OBDII spec.

Same goes for the ABS, central locking etc.

Only VAG.com can check the cluster and talk to the radio.

I would remove the radio completely and fix the cluster first. Then once that's fixed install an aftermarket stereo or used concert I . The fact that the radio fuse was fried is not a good sign. Used Concert I s (with code ) are easy to find on E-bay for cheap.

You will probably need to recode (vag.com) the replacement Concert I to match your TT as most used Concerts will be set up for non-Bose A4s and Bose A6s (not to mention avant) which have a different speaker configuration.

The Hungarians who built the TT changed the wiring about 6 times in three years. There are about 20 pages of wiring for just the radio in the official TT service manual.

Here's some info on Concert setup.

http://www.ibiblio.org/tkan/audi/radios/concert.html

I would also check the alternator as excess charging voltage can blow up both of these.

May 5, 2011 | 02:56 PM

justjustin

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Wow, thanks for the link that is super goodto know!

I will do the cluster first.

Got a new in box concert for 100 shipped, off ebay.

)

I am wondering if the stereo fried and zapped the cluster
or vice-versa. If ot possible I should go looking for a short
or something I suppose, beforer doing either.

I know a guy with a VAG-COM now so I will have him hook
it up when he helps me go through the wheel bearings and
check the drive shafts, when we do the new rotors and pads.

Changed out the rear diff and tranny/diff oil - 2 different
sizes of hex socket plugs, a bit annoying as no one had the
tools around here. Had to use bolts&nuts to fake a tool for each.

Kinda different to work on but I am enjoying it. :O)

Thanks!

May 6, 2011 | 06:45 AM

AudiMick

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From: Redmond WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by justjustin

Wow, thanks for the link that is super goodto know!

I will do the cluster first.

Got a new in box concert for 100 shipped, off ebay.

Make sure you do the Haldex oil and filter, recommended every 20K. There is a special wrench to remove the filter and you fill from underneath which is rather awkward.

May 8, 2011 | 12:44 PM

justjustin

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OK, so I pulled the stereo and looked around a bit,
reconnected the stereo, checked all the fuses again
and it turned on.

One of the harness plugs was crooked - maybe not seated well.

Anyway, pulled cluter to send out.
New Concert 1 is here now, and I should be putting it all
together in 2 weeks.
Thanks again for your help!