S3 DIS fault

[niggtv]

Hi, I’m thinking of buying an S3 (facelift), but the dash display seems to be faulty – it has lines going through it. Is this common and does anyone know what causes it?

Is it something that can be fixed, or would it be a case of getting a new dash pod from a breaker and then getting it reset to the correct mileage?

Cheers guys

 

[AndyMac]

Yes very common, either fading or lines across it. Don't think it can be fixed, so yes new instrument cluster unfortunately, don't know if you can just swap them, or if you'd need VAGCOM. The mileage is stored in the ECU IIRC so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[niggtv]

Cheers, so it should definitely just be a case of putting in a new cluster, and then possibly getting an Audi specialist to set it up using VAGCOM?

 

[niggtv]

Oh - one more question... will any replacement S3 cluster fit or did they change for the facelift? Cheers

 

[monkeytrousers]

I think they did change ... some of the early S3s have analogue clocks. Not sure if directly related to facelift cars though.

 

[god_thats_quick]

Monkey trousers is spot on, they changed to digital clock before the facelift, my car is 2000 and it's got a digital clock but some earlier cars do not. Not sure if anything other than the badges changed on the facelift, there could have been more features for the CAN-BUS system on later cars but not 100% sure on that.

 

[niggtv]

I've just read this which seems to suggest that it may not be possible to plug in a new cluster and have it 'coded' in to the car.... arghhh confused now!

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?t=29577&highlight=display

 

[larsmate]

I think there are four versions - prefacelift analogue clock, prefacelift digital clock, facelift (pre 165kw version) and facelift (165kw version). You will need the correct one as there are differences with CAN-BUS compatibility. Once you have the correct one, second hand or new, you will have to get the dealer to install and code to your car. You do need them to recode cluster, ecu and keys, all three together.

 

[madvw]

you cannot change the milage on a cluster that has been previously installed. The milage and IMMO codes are stored in the ECU AND the Dashpod.

The cluster only allows ONE milage change, and a FORWARD only change too. For most clusters, this would have been changed when installed/replaced - so you have no changes left.

 

[niggtv]

Well, the need for this has gone now..... although it was claimed to have a clear HPI, I did my own anyway. HPI showed that the 62k mile 2001 FSH, 1 previous owner S3 had actually done 62k in 2002 when it was a year old, and was now about 120k! B*stards!