General Information

Instrument cluster On Board Diagnostic (OBD)

General information
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 start cycles.

For OBD purposes, the instrument cluster counts one start cycle whenever the ignition is switched on longer than 5 min. and a minimum speed of 30 km/h (18.5 mp/h) is exceeded.

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.

Instrument clusters, are integrated into the vehicle CAN Data Bus network (may also be known as "CAN-Bus" or "Data-Bus").

The Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface - J533- (which is integrated into the instrument cluster) enables data to be exchanged between the vehicle CAN Data-Bus network and the Data Link Connector (DLC) "K-wire".

The Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface - J533- has specific On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capabilities.

-J533- must be coded depending on the vehicle equipment when replacing the instrument cluster.


NOTE: The following description and illustrations deal specifically with the VAG 1551 scan tool. VAG1552 and VAS5051 procedures are similar.


Notes on exchanging instrument cluster
- Do not disassemble instrument cluster.
- When replacing an instrument cluster is necessary, follow normal exchange part procedures.
- Complete report form and return together with instrument cluster.
- Use original packaging from new cluster when returning items.
- Replacement instrument clusters must be coded according to vehicle market version and equipment level variables using VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).
- Odometer reading must be adapted to the replacement instrument cluster.
- The Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface -J533- must be coded according to vehicle market version and equipment level variables.
- Where applicable, replacement instrument clusters must be adapted for anti-theft immobilizer function.