Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Instrument cluster : On Board Diagnostic (OBD)

General information

The instrument cluster contains an electronic speedometer, tachometer, liquid crystal (LCD) displays for odometer, trip odometer/clock, as well as analog coolant temperature and fuel level gauges. Control and warning lamps are situated within and between the speedometer and tachometer. Automatic transmission models also contain an LCD gear indicator display.

An LCD multi-function trip computer (MFI) with two operating modes is located in the tachometer display. The MFI includes selectable displays for trip time/mileage, average trip speed, average trip fuel consumption and outside temperature.

If available, a Navigation system display is integrated into the centrally located control and warning lamp display.

The instrument cluster is controlled by an internal microprocessor with On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capability. If malfunctions occur in monitored sensors and components, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) will be stored in memory together with an indication of malfunction type. A maximum of 4 DTCs can be stored simultaneously.

Sporadic malfunctions (indicated in the readout by "SP") are automatically cancelled if not repeated in the next 50 engine starts.

Before performing any troubleshooting or inspection, always begin by checking for DTCs using the OBD program. DTCs stored in memory are retrieved/checked with either the VAG 1551/1552 Scan Tool (ST) or VAS 5051 Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Notes on exchanging instrument cluster

- Do not disassemble instrument cluster.
- Instrument clusters with green illumination are equipped with replaceable control lamp bulbs. On these units, all other instrument cluster malfunctions require replacement of instrument cluster.
- Instrument clusters with blue illumination contain no field serviceable components. All malfunctions require replacement of instrument cluster.
- When the replacement of a malfunctioning instrument cluster is necessary, follow exchange part procedures.
- Complete the report form and return together with instrument cluster.
- Use the original packaging from the new cluster when returning modules.
- Replacement instrument clusters must be coded according to vehicle market version and equipment level variables using the OBD program. Testing and Inspection
- The odometer reading must be adapted to the new/exchange instrument cluster using the OBD program.
- The multi-function trip computer (MFI) switch cannot be checked using OBD. Check MFI switch using applicable wiring diagram.