Autocheck Failure - Sadistic Audi Electricals (help!)

[Sargent Schutt <sargent@novagate.com>]

I need to make a withdrawal from the Audi Braintrust:

I spent last night replacing a few burnt out bulbs in the center console
and instrument cluster. Prior to removing the inst. cluster, I would
randomly get the 'worn brake pads' indicator. 

Upon replacing all the necessary bulbs and ensuring that every bulb in the
whole car is functional, I replaced the instrument cluster. I was then
going to focus on solving the 'worn pad indicator' light. 

Plug everything back in and: "BRAKE LIGHTS" interchanging with the symbol
for head lights'!! Nothing about the worn brake pads anymore, though. Also,
a couple of times, the 'headlight symbol' came up without the "BRAKE
LIGHTS" error.  Did I accidentally short something out in the Autocheck computer?

GRRRR. I've never seen this one before, and the car has the sick sense of
humor to do this only after tending to every bulb in the car. #$&^%$#, what
have I done???  ALL of the FUSES and BULBS in the car show to be in proper
working order. 

I need to fix this ASAP, as the NEW OWNER is coming to take delivery of it
next week (John, if you're reading this it will be fixed - not to worry).
Can someone make a suggestion here??

The only thing I'm left with is to remove the instrument cluster again and
recheck all the pins (bent pin somewhere?) and make sure all the
connections are good. I've never had a problem with this R&R in the past -
is it possible I delivered a static charge to it and fried a connector?

Everything else works - autocheck screen is perfect, displays radio
stations, etc etc, except this false brake light / headlight warning. 

On a separate (?) note, the turn signals make an extra 'clicking' sound
with the first 'blink'. The car did this when I first bought it, but I was
unable to solve the problem as it went away on its own. It has now returned
on its own - perhaps its a 'change of ownership indicator??. Ugh. Related
to Autocheck falsing?

PLEASE tell me there is something I'm overlooking. This is becoming very
frustrating. 

Thanks very much in advance,

Sarge

1991 200q 20V, 184k
1997 Saab Conv (hers), 28k
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Co. car), 3k
1995 Jeep Wrangler (for sale - $5500!!), 34k

San Diego, CA