[A8] Instrument Cluster issue

[FBFISH at aol.com]

Guys- I have a 1998 A8 and so far this car has been virtually trouble free! 
Except for a clogged drain in the HVAC system I have had no problems--until 
now. Between the Tach and the speedometer there is a display section the 
lower half of which contains 12 alarm lights (4 rows of 3) above that is a 
space that contains status info. When the car is started the display shows the 
warning about applying the foot brake when you engage the transmission. 
after the car starts moving, an "OK' message appears for a bit. When it goes 
off, the display goes blank, and never shows any further info. The car drives 
fine, and I guess I could live without it, but I use the "tip tronic" a lot 
and would like to know what gear I am in? Also, although I can not remember 
all the info normally displayed, I think I would miss the cruise control data 
also. Anyone have any idea as to why this display function no longer 
functions ( pun intended)? TIA
Frank Santoro
1998 A8
1990 V8 gone but not forgotten