Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators: Description and Operation

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 multifunction 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.

Before performing any troubleshooting or inspection, always begin by checking for DTCs using the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) program DTCs stored in memory are retrieved/checked with VAG 1551 or VAG 1552 Scan Tool (ST) Testing and Inspection

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.
- The odometer reading must be matched to the new/exchange instrument cluster using VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) Testing and Inspection

Additional information:
- Complaint/symptom based Technical Bulletins
- Instrument cluster, On Board Diagnostic (OBD) Testing and Inspection