[V8] V8 Instrument cluster repair plan

[Mike Arman]

Sounds like we have some significant interest in this amongst the Audi bretheren and sisteren.



We'll want to have a website with pictures showing how to get the cluster out and back in again 
without breaking anything. "Pry on the speaker grilles here, don't drop the center pad screw down 
the defroster duct (DAMHIK), you can GENTLY wiggle the cluster out from behind the steering wheel if 
you put masking tape here and here to protect it, there are X connectors, and they come off like 
this (and there are (ISTR) three of them, a yellow, a white, etc.)" It has been a while since I did 
this on my car. Finally, don't put the dash pad back on until you are SURE everything works!


I can host the website and do most of the copy, but I'll need pix.


Repair sequence here - disassemble, resolder ALL the pins after inspection (jeweler's loupe + bright 
light), replace instrument bulbs as needed (wonder if we should just do them all, it will never be 
easier), contact cleaner on instrument light rheostat (replace if needed), contact enhancer on all 
connectors/plugs/interconnects. Seal in plastic bag and pack in padded box with popcorn, etc.


Item shipped USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation - fast, not expensive, traceable, should 
we get insurance? (How much?) USP/Fedex not an option, I am out in the woods and there is NO 
UPS/Fedex here, in fact, there is no mail delivery here either, I go to the post office every day 
anyway.


Will need to know year/serial number/auto or 5 speed for the car, I want to keep proper records of 
what goes where.


Will this repair cure ALL the mysterious electrical problems in a V8Q? Bwhahahahah!!! But it will 
cure the oddball stuff related to the instrument cluster such as erratic fuel gauge indications, 
erratic temp indications, instrument light flickers, autocheck ghosts and gremlins (and what else? - 
I *know* there's more!)


Your thoughts are solicited - we can have this up and running in days, I'd like to ship out the 
first repaired board set this coming week!


Best Regards,

Mike Arman
90V8Q