Complete Instrument Cluster Failure

[endeegee]

Hello People,

this started a few days ago when I noticed that the clock wasn't changing and displaying the correct time. I tried changing the time as I normally would, but to no avail. Fast forward to today and I have a complete instrument failure. No Speedo or rev counter, no fuel or temp gauges, and no dash information at all - i.e. gear selection and the usual dashboard wording. That said, all the warning lights do come on and do out as they should once the engine is running, and i do have left and right indicator lights.

 

Would anyone have any idea as to what's happened? I've contacted my local Audi dealer who has given me a part number for a complete new instrument cluster however they can no longer supply this as Audi no longer make this particular part as of 2022. Any help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated before I contact my garage tomorrow.

[cliffcoggin]

Instrument cluster problems happen from time to time on A3s of that era. A new cluster from Audi will cost you silly money, whereas the old cluster can be repaired by companies such as ECU Testing for less than £300. You will have to remove, post, and refit the cluster if you choose to have it repaired. Scan through this forum's history for examples of people in a similar position who have had their clusters repaired successfully.

[endeegee]

Hello Cliff, thanks for your quick reply. Do you know of any companies such as ECU testing that are a little nearer to the Surrey / Kent area? I am in Addlestone, Surrey. Thanks.

[Stevey Y]

59 minutes ago, endeegee said:

Hello Cliff, thanks for your quick reply. Do you know of any companies such as ECU testing that are a little nearer to the Surrey / Kent area? I am in Addlestone, Surrey. Thanks.

Hi just do it the simple way, they have a 2-3 working day turn round, there was one guy on here that had the same problem and they told him the original unit was irreparable so he bought a second hand unit and sent it to them and they programmed it from his old unit checked the doner unit out so it was plug in and play, no brainer really when you consider Audi quoted £3000 + the coding.

Steve.

[cliffcoggin]

1 hour ago, endeegee said:

 Do you know of any companies such as ECU testing that are a little nearer to the Surrey / Kent area? 

I don't, but they should not be hard to find. I mentioned ECU Testing only because of their proven track record in this forum, not because I prefer them them over others.

[poppleton1981]

i had the exact issue a couple of years ago, only happened when it was freezing outside, i was advised the same, however mine came back to life and have had no issues since, see what this December brings 😆

[endeegee]

Just spoken to my garage, they are fitting me in for Wednesday to remove the instrument cluster and get it sent away for repair..... if it is repairable. If not, I guess it's eBay time!!

[endeegee]

All sorted...... well to a certain extent. Instrument cluster was sent off to ECU in Derby and was fitted back into the car yesterday. £356.00 total cost which I was quite happy with as that included everything.

One anomaly though...... for some reason the Oil Pressure warning display on the dash comes on and off at irregular intervals. On the drive home from the garage yesterday afternoon, it came on around 3 or 4 times. I know the Oil level is fine, and the car was only serviced 3 weeks ago. Another mystery......

[cliffcoggin]

I can't help with the oil warning, except to suggest you take the car back to the garage that removed the instrument panel in case it did not refit the connections correctly. 

I am curious to know if the garage was an Audi dealer or an independent.

[endeegee]

It was an independent.... the same garage I have been using since i started driving, and that's now just over 45 years!! Cheers!