Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators: Description and Operation

General Information

Technical features of the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is equipped with a service display which can process flexible data, that is, the instrument cluster evaluates various vehicle based service requirements on input quantities such as driveability or oil consumption.

The long service life is capable of reproducing the functions of the standard SRI, when the limits are set correctly. The limits are variable (in U.S. with set limits).

It is also possible to evaluate the oil temperature sensor. Adaptation channels in the VAG On Board Diagnostic (OBD) make this possible.

In countries where the standard Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) values are still used, such as the USA, the following constant adaptation values must be entered:

Table for Service Reminder Indicator values without long service life

Channel 42 (minimum mileage performance) 8000 miles
Channel 43 (maximum mileage performance) 8000 miles
Channel 44 (maximum time interval until 365 days
next service)
Channel 45 (oil quality) 1

The Audi A4 instrument cluster is offered with a Midline version with Mini-check system and the High-line version with Driver Information System (DIS).

The Audi A4 instrument cluster is offered with a Midline version with Minicheck system and the Highline version with Driver Information System (DIS).

The instrument cluster in the Audi S4 is only offered with the Highline version with Driver Information System.

The speedometer contains an LCD display for the odometer and trip odometer.

A LCD display for LCD-clock/date is located in the tachometer.

The service reminder indicator is displayed in the center display.

The warning/ indicator lights are integrated in the speedometer and tachometer.

Details about the instrument cluster

The instrument cluster is controlled by a microprocessor and has extensive On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capabilities. If malfunctions occur in any of the system components, corresponding Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are stored in the DTC memory of the instrument cluster. These can then be identified using the VAG1551 or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST).

NOTE: The description only refers to the VAG1551 Scan Tool (ST).

Malfunction message "dEF" on trip odometer display
If the control module in the instrument cluster detects a malfunction in its permanent memory, the letters "dEF" will appear on the trip odometer display.
- If "dEF" is indicated on display, replace instrument cluster.

Notes for replacing instrument cluster
- Do not disassemble instrument cluster.
- If necessary, instrument cluster should be replaced through the exchange loop.
- Fill out a damage report form and return together with faulty instrument cluster.
- Faulty units must always be returned in original packaging.
- The odometer and the Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) of the replacement instrument cluster can be adapted using the VAG1551 Scan Tool (ST).