WIERD Instrument cluster problem on 96 A4...

[J Mawhinney]

Had a very similar problem on my '96 A4q.  My tach and speedo. stopped
working.  This problem happened all of a sudden and the airbag light also
came on.  I researched the problem a little and my mechanic/friend talked to
an Audi tech. that was a friend of his.  He said the instrument panel is a
problem in the early A4s as he had seen many problems with them.  I replaced
the panel (without a formal diagnosis) and it fixed the problems except for
the airbag light.  I learned very recently from the list that the airbag
light may just need to be reset by the VAG tool.  I would guess that you
have a similar problem.  I called several places for prices and got an
attractive quote from Claire Parts for $240 with a core.  The only glitch is
that the core was $150 and Audi had to test it to make sure it was reparable
or no refund for the core.  I thought this was ridiculous because there was
a chance that I would lose my core so I went the used route.  I called
several salvage yards and the prices ranged from $125 to $350.  The low
price was from Moroney's in (I think) Pennsylvania and they were very
helpful.
I wish you all the luck with the instrument panel.  I found the name and
number in the Audifans merchant list.  Please contact me if you have any
further questions.
Jason Mawhinney
'96 A4 2.8qm
'85 4kq 20v
'70 MGB

----- Original Message -----
From: "RM" <waves at epix.net>
To: "Quattro List" <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 7:51 PM
Subject: WIERD Instrument cluster problem on 96 A4...


> I have a customer who has a 1996 A4 2.6 non-Q. The problem he has is the
> tach doesn't work, the oil pressure light, the water temp light and the
low
> fuel level light keep flashing (although there is no problem with the
press,
> temp or fuel level). The speedo and other guages work well. I verified
that
> the ignition switch was replaced with the proper factory unit so that's
not
> the problem. All the wiring and connectors going to the ign. switch and
> instrument cluster are sound and not corroded. After researching ALLDATA
and
> various other sources, I've come to the conclusion that either the
> instrument cluster is faulty or perhaps the auot-check system is stuck in
> key on, engine off mode. I've also found that Audi has an adapter to plug
> into the instr. clusters to test them, but I can't get my hands on it.
> Anyone else have this problem? I'd love to fix this car before it goes
back
> to the dealer. Thanks!
>
>
> Rolf Mair
>
>
>
>