HELP!!! Cluster not working after NAV install

[Sweet Mike]

I recently installed the RNS-E. The NAV wasn't working so great so I thought I'd pull it out and and see if I could move the GPS antenna.

All of the sudden, my speedo cluster does not work. When I turn the key, everything comes on but the cluster and climate control. If I try starting the car, it starts and immediately turns off. I'm assuming it's becuase the Cluster in not functional.

I checked every fuse I could find. No dice.

Somone please offer advice ASAP!

[Sweet Mike]

I edited this update that I posted last night. I figured I'd make it a little more detailed in hopes that someone can help. I think this is a much better explanation than the one I wrote last night after hours of frustration with the car.

I have a 2004.5 A4 1.8T QM. I originally had the Symphony II unit and just purchased an RNS-E. I installed it yesterday. It took about 1/2 and hour and went smoothly. Everything worked fine except the GPS would not pick me up all the time. I figured it was an issue with the placement of the GPS antenna so I figured I'd pull it out and route it somewhere else.

I turned the car off, key not in ignition and began to pull everything out. Removed the instrument cluster to pull the GPS antenna, pulled the NAV unit out. I was reaching behind the climate control to get a radio key that fell behind it. Some interior lights were on and all of the sudden, something changed as if a light or backlight turned off. Not sure where it was but everything seemed to be functioning.

I put everything back together and turned the key to the on position. Everything came on except the instruments cluster and climate control. The NAV would work and all other lights would work. I attempted to start the engine. It started and immediately shut itself off. After looking all over for broken fuses, sliced wires, disconnected harnesses I decided to disconnect the battery for 20 minutes or so in hopes it would reset the ECU.

I waited and plugged everything back in. This time I plugged my factory head unit in instead of the NAV. Here's the outcome (not much different)

- Key in ignition in ON position = Instrument cluster / climate control inoperative.
- Attempting to start engine = engine starts and immediately shuts itself off as if I turned the key off.
- Factory Symphony II unit readys "SAFE" and will not function.
- Alarm will not turn ON or OFF with remote. Only when locking the door physically with key.
- When everything is off and key is not in ignition = backlights for headlight switch / climate control remain on.

That should pretty much cover it. If there is any advice you can offer I would be in your debt for life.

[Sweet Mike]

So, I got my car back today. After the replacement of the instrument cluster, everthing seems to work fine. The NAV works fine and everything.

The only thing odd is that when the car is completely shut off the backlight is still lit for the headlight switch and hazard light button. It didn't drain my battery overnight (I didn't think it would) so I'm totally fine with it.

The only bummer is that now my hood strut doesn't work. I'm gonna call the dealer and let them know. Hopefully they'll replace it for me seeing as how it worked when it went in.

[orttauq]

So, I got my car back today. After the replacement of the instrument cluster, everthing seems to work fine. The NAV works fine and everything.

The only thing odd is that when the car is completely shut off the backlight is still lit for the headlight switch and hazard light button. It didn't drain my battery overnight (I didn't think it would) so I'm totally fine with it.

The only bummer is that now my hood strut doesn't work. I'm gonna call the dealer and let them know. Hopefully they'll replace it for me seeing as how it worked when it went in.

Hazard and headlight switch will remain on after shutting car off.

Don't see how the dealer could possibly cause your hood strut to stop working all of the sudden. That line never gets old though..