From 08.99, Up To 10.00

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 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 from 08.99 > are integrated into the vehicle CAN Data Bus network (may also be known as "CAN-Bus" or "Data-Bus").

The CAN-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 CAN-bus On Board Diagnostic Interface -J533- has specific On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capabilities. Refer to

Notes on exchanging instrument cluster
- Do not disassemble instrument cluster.
- The instrument cluster is not field serviceable. 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 first be coded according to vehicle market version and equipment level variables using VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST). Testing and Inspection
- Odometer reading must also be adapted to the replacement instrument cluster.
- The CAN-bus On Board Diagnostic Interface -J533- must be also be coded according to vehicle market version and equipment level variables.