[s-cars] bad dashboard computer display in 2000 S4 - ideas?

[Steve Eiche]

Bryan,
The clusters on the new cars are totally different than the older cars.
  The problems with the new clusters is in the LCD panel itself.  No
amount of cleaning or contact soldering is going to fix it.

Other than the troublesome LCDs, the clusters are much nicer, with LED
backlighting and excellent diagnostic functions.

Now, here is one helpful hint.  I did find on my '00 A6, which has the
same type of cluster, that if you do an output test with your ProDiag
(blatant product plug) or other diagnostic tool and leave it on the
display test function for awhile it will improve the function of the
display at the top.  At least it did for me.  Originally my top row to
row and a half of test was gone.  After the output test, it was still
dim, but noticeably better to the point where I could read it again.  I
had the cluster replaced under warranty, so I didn't want to see if more
time on the output test would have fixed it entirely.  YMMV, but its
worth a shot...

Steve Eiche
Shade Tree Software, LLC

 > > Thanks for the information - unfortunately I took the instrument
cluster
 > > out and cleaned the contacts (the wire contacts for each of the three
 > > connectors), and no dice.  I noticed that the farthest left connector
 > > was for the digital displays which control the clock, center panel, and
 > > the odometer, and the only one that's screwed up is the center
display).
 > > I have a feeling that I'm hosed and it's just a defective display
 > > overall.  Any further ideas?  If I do have to buy a new display, it
 > > looks like I'm going to have to purchase the entire instrument cluster.
 > > Have any ideas or know where I can get a deal on one?  I don't relish
 > > the idea of spending 700 dollars for Audi to provide me with one...
 > > blah.
 > >
 > > Thanks again for all the help folks...
 > > Bryan