Computer not communication with Instrument Cluster

[B5Mark]

My S4 has a problem where it cranks but doesn't start. So I took it in to get a vagcom and we got that the computer isn't communicating with the instrument cluster.
Im going to try to get the Vagcom fault code soon. is it as simple as replacing the ECU because its not the original, or do i have to give an arm and a leg to fix it?

[MacDaddy]

Sometimes a bad abs module can cause communication errors, for example I can't connect to the ecu unless I unplug the abs module in the engine bay.

[bobkatkat]

If you have just replaced the ECU you may have re-coding to do http://s4wiki.com/wiki/Cluster_recode

[B5Mark]

would the instrument cluster make it so the car can't start because its not communicating with the ecu

[MetalMan]

would the instrument cluster make it so the car can't start because its not communicating with the ecu

It shouldn't. These cars can drive without the cluster.

[B5Mark]

It shouldn't. These cars can drive without the cluster.

so would it be something in between the cluster and the ecu? wiring?
I hooked it up to vagcom.. Im not getting anything big but communication with cluster to the ecu.

[zillarob]

If you can com with ecu, it should start.
No immo on s4 and they run just fine with the cluster totally removed from the car.

I think I would check coding first, and then the basics, like rpm while cranking, unplug maf, fuel, the usual suspects.

You say the com code is the only biggy, what are the others? Sometimes they dont seem like a big deal, but can point you in the right direction.
Post an autoscan or something.