Is it safe to remove and replace instrument cluster?

[AudiSlineFan]

Hi all,

I just want to ask is it safe to replace the instrument cluster? I own an Audi A4 2000 1.8T Quattro manual, the bulbs have gone off, there is a car wreckers near my house that has exact same car model as mine will cost me $19,00 with warranty.

My friend told me if I disconnect the cables from the back of the instrument cluster the engine immobilizer will shut down and the car won't start for security reasons and I think its total rubbish.

Can you guys tell me if its safe?

Cheers

[redline380]

At first, I was going to say your friend is full of shit. B5's don't come with immobilizers.

And then I noticed your location. Thanks for adding it! B5's indeed DID come with immobilizers everywhere besides north america.

So, because of your location, I do not believe your car will start if you throw in a different cluster. What exactly is the problem with the cluster you have? You can use a different cluster, but the immobilizer will need to be defeated first.

[AudiSlineFan]

It does have engine immobilizer. The problem is the clusters digital screen is dark because the bulbs have blown up. How do I defeat the immobilizer?

And also, I have lost the remote button key, I found one at the wreckers same model car, is it possible to reprogram the key?

[redline380]

It does have engine immobilizer. The problem is the clusters digital screen is dark because the bulbs have blown up. How do I defeat the immobilizer?

Aww, okay, so I think I get what you are trying to do.

You want to take the cluster out to have the lcd screen replaced? Sure, you can do that. But it doesnt matter if you have an immobilizer or not. Without a cluster the car will not work, period.

Because you have an immobilizer, you cannot put a different cluster in and expect it to work. If you take your cluster out to have the screen replaced, the car will not be operable until that cluster goes back in.

I think I understood everything....

[AudiSlineFan]

Yes exactly I want to get rid of the lcd screen, replace it. Can I replace the whole cluster unit not just the lcd screen? Its much easier to do but I am afraid the car will read different unit and won't start.

And also, I have lost the remote button key, I found one at the wreckers same model car, is it possible to reprogram the key?

[redline380]

Yes exactly I want to get rid of the lcd screen, replace it. Can I replace the whole cluster unit not just the lcd screen? Its much easier to do but I am afraid the car will read different unit and won't start.

And also, I have lost the remote button key, I found one at the wreckers same model car, is it possible to reprogram the key?

You cannot put in another cluster and have it work right away. The immobilizer will need to be defeated. Plenty of USA tuners can do it, but I am not sure of which Ausi tuners can do it. You will need to ask locally. Maybe a couple Ausi guys will chime in.

As for the key, I'm not positive since you have an immobilizer. But if the immobilizer is defeated, you should be able to use any key. It won;t work right away, but programming another key without an immobilizer is (surely) easier than a key with an immobilizer.

[AudiSlineFan]

Okay I understand thank you. If I replace the lcd screen only though, the immobilizer won't get affected? Okay I will ask around because in an audi centre I got quoted $750 for the key

[redline380]

$750 for a damn key!? Holy balls, I'm sure theres an easier way.


But yes, if you want the lcd screen to work, just take out the cluster, have someone replace the screen, and put it back in. Nothing bad will happen.

[maxiz1]

On a slightly different issue but similar context, i bought my car (came with immo) but the owner gave only 1 key. I then bought a complete used set of key and lock cylinders for the ignition, front door and trunk. I then went to a key specialist and that guy erased the previous keys and coded nee keys to match my immo.

The only thing that i did and have before was swapping the old key transponder to the new one. In your case, try asking the key specialist whether he could read the coding in the cluster through OBD-II port prior to switching it.

[AudiSlineFan]

Okay cheers for the answers. Looking at places now difficult to find. Yes $750 for a bloody key!!! I have ordered the plastic one for $350 before won't be getting ripped off anymore.

I will replace the lcd panel myself and will get the item from the wreckers. The problem is I don't have the remote button keys only the plastic one.