Instruments - Up to 2000 Audi A6 C5

Instrument cluster, up to m.y. 1999

Instrument cluster malfunction message "dEF"

If the instrument cluster combination processor -J218- detects a malfunction, the letters "dEF" will appear in the trip computer display.

1. If "dEF" appears in display, replace instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

Instrument cluster, removing and installing

Note. The instrument cluster cannot be disassembled. To remove the instrument cluster it is not necessary to remove the steering wheel. Before removing the instrument cluster, check DTC memory. See CHECK DTC MEMORY (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 02) . Use the VAG1551 or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) to check the Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) and odometer readings and record the displayed values. See ADAPTATION (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 10) .

Removing

1. Using steering column adjustment, pull steering wheel out and down as far as it will go.
2. Push up on side of cover -1- and remove cover from instrument cluster.
3. Remove two screws -1-.
4. Pull instrument cluster out of instrument panel.
5. Cut cable ties on back of instrument cluster.
6. Release retaining tabs on harness connectors and disconnect connector.

Installing

1. Connect electrical connectors and insert wiring harness into clip on back of instrument cluster.
2. Install instrument cluster in reverse order of removal.
3. After installing, check operation.
4. Code instrument cluster.
5. Perform adaptation of SRI and odometer.

Instrument cluster bulb and multi-pin connector locations

Note. All except three of the warning/indicator lamps are LED lamps. If one of the LED lamps is faulty, the entire instrument cluster must be replaced.

1. High beam indicator lamp, (1.2 W)
2. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) indicator lamp, (1.2 W)
3. Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), (1.2 W)

1. 32-pin connector for basic functions, blue
2. 32-pin connector for additional functions, green
3. 20-pin connector for driver information display, red

Identifying Instrument Cluster Electrical Connectors (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 1

32-pin connector for basic functions, blue

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 5 and see scheme 6.

1. Terminal 15
2. Right turn signal
3. Speedometer output 1
4. Vacant
5. Fuel gauge sender
6. Airbag
7. Terminal 31 sensor Ground (GND)
8. Coolant temperature
9. Terminal 31 load Ground (GND)
10. Oil pressure switch
11. Engine speed (RPM) signal
12. Terminal 61
13. CAT
14. Self-levelling suspension
15. Terminal 58d
16. Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
17. High beams
18. Left turn signal
19. ABS
20. Terminal 58s
21. Door contact, driver's side
22. Coolant level low
23. Terminal 30
24. Terminal 31 load Ground (GND)
25. K-wire
26. Right parking light
27. Left parking light
28. Speedometer input
29. Brake fluid level/pressure
30. S-contact
31. Seat belt buckle
32. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

32-pin connector for additional functions, green

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 7 and see scheme 8.

1. Vacant
2. Transponder 1
3. Vacant
4. Immobilizer
5. W-wire
6. Vacant
7. Brake pads
8. Input for outside buzzer control (currently vacant)
9. Input for outside gong/chime control (currently vacant)
10. Fuel tank warning output signal for Engine Control Module (ECM)
11. Standing time output
12. Air conditioning shut-off
13. Parking brake
14. Electronic throttle
15. Side marker light
16. Vacant
17. Transponder 2
18. Vacant
19. Vacant
20. Vacant
21. Oil temperature
22. Vacant
23. Vacant
24. Vacant
25. Vacant
26. Vacant
27. Vacant
28. Vacant
29. Terminal 58d (outside dimmer potentiometer)
30. Speedometer output 2
31. Vacant
32. Vacant

20-pin connector for driver information display, red

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 9.

1. Fuel consumption signal
2. Vacant
3. Vacant
4. Vacant
5. Outside air temperature
6. Selector lever position indicator
7. Vacant
8. Vacant
9. Washer fluid
10. Hydraulic pressure
11. On-board computer reset
12. Clock signal for radio frequency display
13. Data signal for radio frequency display
14. On-board computer, left
15. Enable-signal for radio frequency display
16. Tail lights / dimmed headlights (bulb monitor)
17. Vacant
18. On-board computer, right
19. Brake lights
20. Vacant

Required special tools and test equipment

1. VAG1551 or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST)
2. VAG1598/25 test box
3. Multimeter US1119 (Fluke 83 or equivalent)

Checking

If the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster shows an incorrect reading, first check whether the signal is received by the instrument cluster.

1. Connect VAG1551/VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) and press buttons -1- and -7- to insert "Instrument Cluster" address word 17 (with ignition switched on). See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000__instrument-cluster) .

Indicated on display

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (1 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 2

1. Press -Q- button to confirm input.

Indicated on display (after approximately 5 seconds)

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (2 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 3

1. Press => button.

Indicated on display

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (3 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 4

1. Press buttons -0- and -8- to select "Read Measuring Value Block" function 08, and press -Q- button to confirm input.

Indicated on display

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (4 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 5

Indicated on display

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (5 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 6

1. Press buttons -0-, -0- and -2- to input display group number 002, and press -Q- button to confirm input.

Indicated on display (1-4 = display fields)

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (6 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 7

If the correct fuel level is displayed in field 2 on the scan tool, but not by the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster, the instrument cluster is faulty and must be replaced. Removing instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

If the correct fuel level is not displayed in field 2 of the scan tool

1. Check signal to multi-pin connector at instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BULB AND MULTI-PIN CONNECTOR LOCATIONS»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000__instrument-cluster-bulb-and-multi-pin-connector) .
2. Press => button.

Indicated on display

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (7 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 8

1. Press buttons -0- and -6- to select "End Output" function 06.

Indicated on display

VAG1551 Or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) Display - Fuel Gauge Checking (8 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 9

1. Press -Q- button to confirm input.

1. Connect VAG1598/25 test box to blue 32-pin connector.
2. Using multimeter US1119 (Fluke 83 or equivalent), measure resistance between terminals 5, (fuel gauge sender) and 7, (signal Ground).

Specifications

1. Fuel tank full: approx. 270 ohm
2. Fuel tank half full: approx. 170 ohm
3. Fuel tank on reserve: approx. 96 ohm

If specifications are not obtained

1. Check wiring per wiring diagram.
2. If wiring is faulty, repair wiring.
3. Remove sender from tank.
4. Test sender.
5. Replace sender.

Vehicles with front-wheel drive

The sender for fuel gauge -G- is located under the floor covering of the luggage compartment.

1. Remove floor covering.
2. Remove screws (arrows) and remove cover -1-.
3. Remove connector.

Removing Floor Cover Screws & Cover (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 10

4-pin connector for fuel gauge sender -G-, terminal assignments

1. Positive signal for fuel pump
2. Wire from sender for fuel gauge -G- to instrument cluster (fuel gauge)
3. Ground connection for sender for fuel gauge -G
4. Ground connection for fuel pump

Identifying 4-Pin Harness Connector Terminals For Fuel Gauge Sender (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 11

Vehicles with all-wheel drive

Vehicles with all-wheel drive have three fuel gauge senders connected in series.

One of the fuel gauge sender harness connectors is located under the floor covering in the luggage compartment. Removing connector. See CONNECTOR FOR SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE -G-, TERMINAL ASSIGNMENTS .

The other two fuel gauge sender connectors are located under the rear seat bench.

1. Remove rear seat bench. See «SEAT BENCH, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/seats/#seats-frames__seat-bench-removing-and-installing) .
2. Remove screws (arrows) and remove covers -1- and -2-.
3. Remove harness connectors.

4-pin connector at sender for fuel gauge -G

1. Positive signal for fuel pump
2. Wire from sender for fuel gauge to instrument cluster
3. Ground connection for sender for fuel gauge
4. Ground connection for fuel pump

Identifying 4-Pin Harness Connector Terminals For Fuel Gauge Sender (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 12

2-pin connector at sender II for fuel gauge -G169

1. Wire (black) to sender III
2. Wire (blue) to sender III

Identifying 2-Pin Harness Connector Terminals At Sender II For Fuel Gauge -G169- (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 13

2-pin connector at sender III for fuel gauge -G237

1. Wire (black) to sender II
2. Wire (blue) to sender II

Identifying 2-Pin Harness Connector Terminals At Sender III For Fuel Gauge -G237- (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 14

Sender for fuel gauge -G-, checking

1. Using multimeter US1119 (Fluke 83 or equivalent), check resistance at sender for fuel gauge.
2. To check actual values, measure between terminals 2 and 3.

Specified values

1. Tank empty: approximately 70 ohm
2. Tank full: approximately 270 ohm

If specifications are not obtained

1. Check wiring per wiring diagram.
2. If wiring is faulty, repair wiring.
3. Remove sender from tank.
4. Test sender.
5. Replace sender.

1. Using multimeter US1119 (Fluke 83 or equivalent), check senders for fuel gauge individually.

Note. Because of the various locations of the senders (for instance sender III is located at the top of the tank), checking individual installed senders can only be done when the tank is either empty or full. To be sure that you will not get a wrong reading (because the senders are connected in series), always remove the harness connectors at the three senders.

Specified values

1. Tank empty: approximately 20 ohm
2. Tank full: approximately 70 ohm

Checking Sender For Fuel Gauge (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 15

If specifications are not obtained

1. Check wiring per wiring diagram.
2. If wiring is faulty, repair wiring.
3. Remove sender from tank.
4. Test sender.
5. Replace sender.

Sender II for fuel gauge -G169-, checking

Specified values

1. Tank empty: approximately 20 ohm
2. Tank full: approximately 118.5 ohm

If specifications are not obtained

1. Check wiring per wiring diagram.
2. If wiring is faulty, repair wiring.
3. Remove sender from tank.
4. Test sender.
5. Replace sender.

Sender III for fuel gauge -G237-, checking

Specified values

1. Tank empty: approximately 30 ohm
2. Tank full: approximately 81.5 ohm

Checking Sender III -G237- For Fuel Gauge (Up To M.Y. 1999). Scheme 16

If specifications are not obtained

1. Check wiring per wiring diagram.
2. If wiring is faulty, repair wiring.
3. Remove sender from tank.
4. Test sender.
5. Replace sender.

Fuel consumption signal, checking

This signal is used for the fuel consumption display of the driver information system.

1. Remove instrument cluster and remove red 20-pin connector from instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
2. Connect VAG1598 test box to red connector using adapter VAG1598/11B.
3. Using multimeter US1119 (Fluke 83 or equivalent), measure voltage between terminal 21 and vehicle Ground (GND).
4. Start engine and alter engine speed between 1000 RPM and 4000 RPM. Specification: 0.3-7.0 V from Engine Control Module (ECM) (depending on engine speed)
5. If specified values are attained, replace instrument cluster.
6. If not, check wiring between ECM and instrument cluster using applicable wiring diagram. See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.
7. If there are no open circuits or short circuits, replace ECM.

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) gauge -G3-, checking

If the engine coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster does not indicate a reading, first check whether the signal is received by the instrument cluster.

Scheme 17

1. Connect VAG1551/VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) and press buttons -1- and -7- to insert "Instrument Cluster" address word 17 (with ignition switched on). See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000__instrument-cluster). Indicated on display see scheme 27: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (1 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press -Q- button to confirm input. Indicated on display (after approximately 5 seconds) see scheme 28: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (2 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press -> button. Indicated on display see scheme 29: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (3 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press buttons -0- and -8- to select "Read Measuring Value Block" function 08. Indicated on display see scheme 30: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (4 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press -Q- button to confirm input. Indicated on display see scheme 31: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (5 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press buttons -0-, -0- and -3- to input display group number 003, and press -Q- button to confirm input. Indicated on display (1-4 = display fields) see scheme 32: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (6 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) If the engine coolant temperature is displayed in display field 1 on the scan tool, the instrument cluster is faulty and must be replaced. Removing instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing). If the engine coolant temperature is not displayed in display field 1 on the scan tool: Check the signal to the multi-pin connector for the instrument cluster. Press -> button. Indicated on display see scheme 33: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (7 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press buttons -0- and -6- to select "End Output" function 06. Indicated on display see scheme 34: Scan Tool Display - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge (8 Of 8) (Up To M.Y. 1999) Press -Q- button to confirm input. Connect VAG1598 test box to blue 32-pin connector using adapter VAG1598/25. Using multimeter US1119 (Fluke 83 or equivalent), measure resistance between terminals 8 and 7, (signal Ground). Specifications: Engine coolant temperature 60 °C (140 °F): approx. 259 ohm Engine coolant temperature 90 °C (194 °F): approx. 107 ohm Engine coolant temperature 120 °C (248 °F): approx. 40 ohm If values are not as specified: Checking wiring. If wiring is OK: Replace sensor.

Instrument cluster, from m.y. 2000 and up

1. Determine the correct coding for the anti-theft radio.
2. Disconnect the battery Ground (GND) strap.

If the instrument cluster combination processor -J218- detects a malfunction, the letters "dEF" will appear in the trip computer display.

1. If "dEF" appears in display, replace instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000) .

Note. The instrument cluster cannot be disassembled. To remove the instrument cluster it is not necessary to remove the steering wheel. Before removing the instrument cluster, check DTC memory. See CHECK DTC MEMORY (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 02) . Use the VAG1551 or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) to check the Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) and odometer readings and record the displayed values.

1. Using steering column adjustment, pull steering wheel out and down as far as it will go.
2. Push up on side of cover -1- and remove cover from instrument cluster.
3. Loosen both Phillips head screws -1-.
4. Pull out the instrument cluster.
5. Open the cable tie on the back side of the instrument cluster.
6. Unlock safety latches from harness connectors and pull plugs.

1. Connect the electrical harness connectors and secure the wiring harness on the back side of the instrument cluster.
2. Please reinstall in reverse order.
3. Perform functions test after installation.
4. When the functions test is OK

Notes to change the instrument cluster. See REPLACEMENT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INPUT VALUES .

Multi-pin connector at instrument cluster

Note. On the Audi A6 all indicator lights are equipped with diodes. In case of failure, the instrument cluster must be replaced.

Highline-Instrument cluster

A- Multi-pin connector, 32-pin, green

B Multi-pin connector, 32-pin, blue

C Multi-pin connector, 32-pin, gray

D Multi-pin connector for the broadcast clock, 4-pin, black (in USA not connected)

Identifying Highline-Instrument Cluster Harness Connectors (From M.Y. 2000 & Up). Scheme 18

Multi plug connector, 32-pin, blue

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 38 and see scheme 39.

1. Terminal 15
2. Break pad wear
3. Speedometer output 1
4. not used
5. Tank sensor
6. Tank warning OBD 2
7. Terminal 31 (Sensor ground)
8. Coolant temperature
9. Terminal 31 (Load ground)
10. Oil pressure 2 (high)
11. RPM signal
12. A/C disconnect
13. E-Gas/Preheat control
14. Level regulator
15. Terminal 58d
16. Trailer signal
17. High beam
18. Signal left
19. not used
20. Terminal 58s
21. Driver door contact switch
22. Low coolant
23. Terminal 30
24. Terminal 31 (Load ground)
25. Consumption signal
26. Parking light right
27. Parking light left
28. Speedometer input
29. Brake
30. S-Terminal
31. Speedometer output 2
32. ESP/ASR

Multi plug connector, 32-pin, green

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 40 and see scheme 41.

1. not used
2. Transponder
3. not used
4. not used
5. W-wire
6. not used
7. Signal right
8. External buzzer
9. External chime
10. Airbag
11. Auxiliary heater
12. Terminal 61
13. Parking brake/BRAKE
14. CHECK
15. Oil level/Oil temperature
16. not used
17. Transponder 2
18. CAN low speed (Drive) (high +)
19. CAN low speed (Drive) (low -)
20. CAN low speed (Drive) (screen)
21. ABS
22. CAN low speed (Comfort) (high +)
23. CAN low speed (Comfort) (low -)
24. CAN low speed (Comfort) (screen)
25. Engine hood
26. Gas tank door
27. Seat belt lock
28. K-wire
29. Ambient temperature-input
30. Terminal 58de (ext. Dimmer potentiometer)
31. Selector scale display
32. LWR

Multi plug connector, 32-pin, gray (on VDO-vertically installed)

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 42 and see scheme 43.

1. Switch for menu control (Menu)
2. Switch for menu control (out A)
3. Switch for menu control (out B)
4. Switch for menu control (Enter)
5. CAN high speed Display (high +)
6. CAN high speed Display (low -)
7. CAN high speed Display (screen)
8. not used
9. not used
10. not used
11. Enable
12. Clock
13. Data
14. Brake light
15. Wash water level
16. Tail light/Low beam (Light control)
17. On board computer left
18. On board computer right
19. On board computer reset
20. Remote control input for auxiliary heater
21. Summer/Winter Switch
22. Auxiliary heater on
23. Push button branch 1 Navigation
24. Push button branch 2 Navigation
25. Push button branch Telematik
26. not used
27. not used
28. not used
29. not used
30. not used
31. not used
32. not used

Speed signal, testing

If there is a malfunction with the speedometer, check for signal at the speedometer.

1. Connect VAS5051 tester or VAG1551 scan tool. See «VAS 5051 VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC, MEASURING AND INFORMATION SYSTEM OR VAG1551 SCAN TOOL, CONNECTING AND SELECTING FUNCTIONS»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000) .
2. Check DTC memory. See «CHECK DTC MEMORY (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 02)»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000) (standard cluster) or «CHECK DTC MEMORY»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000__check-dtc-memory) (instrument cluster with maintenance interval extension, MIE).
3. Select the display number 001 and test drive. If the speed shows in the diagnostics unit V.A.G 1551 but not on the instrument cluster, replace the instrument cluster. If no speed is showing in the diagnostics unit V.A.G 1551, check signal at the multi-pin connector at the instrument cluster.

Instrument cluster removal. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

1. Connect the test box V.A.G 1598 with the adapter V.A.G 1598/25 to the 32-pin connector.
2. Use the multi meter V.A.G 1526 between terminal 28 and terminal 9 (Load ground) and check for continuity to the sensor.

Test

While the vehicle is moved forward and back (approx. 1m) the whistle signal of the test unit must switch several times.

Is the test not ok, check the line to the speed sensor.

1. Check wire connection according to wiring diagram. See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.

If the line connection is OK, replace the speed sensor.

Signal from fuel sending unit, checking

If the fuel gauge is malfunctioning, check for signal at the instrument cluster.

1. Connect VAS5051 tester or VAG1551 scan tool. See «VAS 5051 VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC, MEASURING AND INFORMATION SYSTEM OR VAG1551 SCAN TOOL, CONNECTING AND SELECTING FUNCTIONS»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000) .
2. Read memory. See «READ MEASURING VALUE BLOCK (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 08)»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000) .
3. Select display group 2. If the display in the diagnostic unit V.A.G 1551 does display the fuel level but not the instrument cluster, replace the instrument cluster. If no fuel level is displayed in the diagnostics unit V.A.G 1551, check the signal at the multi-pin connector at the instrument cluster.
4. Instrument cluster removal. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000) .
5. Connect the test box V.A.G 1598 with the adapter V.A.G 1598/25 to the 32-pin connector.
6. Use the multi meter V.A.G 1526 between terminal 5 and terminal 7 (sensor ground) and measure the resistance.

Base value

Vehicles with front wheel drive

SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE -G- RESISTANCE (VEHICLES WITH FRONT WHEEL DRIVE)

Vehicles with all wheel drive (Quattro) (Production date up to approx. 02.99)

SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE RESISTANCE (VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, PRODUCTION DATE UP TO 02.99)

Vehicles with Quattro drive (production date approx. from 02.99 on)

SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE RESISTANCE (VEHICLES WITH QUATTRO DRIVE, PRODUCTION DATE FROM 02.99 ON)

1. If the base value is not achieved, check the harness connectors between the instrument cluster and the sender for the fuel gauge -G- (Front drive/Quattro) or -G169- (Quattro) or -G237- (Quattro) according to wiring diagram See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.
2. If no open or short circuit is detected, check the sending unit -G- (Front drive/Quattro) or -G169- (Quattro) or -G237- (Quattro).
3. Check sender for fuel gauge. See «SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE -- ALL WHEEL DRIVE»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system-all-engines) .
4. If the base values are not achieved, the instrument cluster is defective and must be replaced. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000) .

Signal from coolant temperature sender -G2-, checking

If there is a malfunction in the coolant temperature display at the instrument cluster, check for the signal at the instrument cluster.

1. Connect VAS5051 tester or VAG1551 scan tool. See «VAS 5051 VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC, MEASURING AND INFORMATION SYSTEM OR VAG1551 SCAN TOOL, CONNECTING AND SELECTING FUNCTIONS»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000) .
2. Read memory. See «READ MEASURING VALUE BLOCK (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 08)»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000) .
3. Select display group 003. If the temperature is displayed in the diagnostic unit V.A.G 1551 but not in the instrument cluster, the instrument cluster is defect and must be replaced. If no coolant temperature is displayed in the diagnostics unit V.A.G 1551 , check for the signal at the multi plug connector at the instrument cluster.
4. Instrument cluster removal. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000) .
5. Connect the test box V.A.G 1598 with the adapter V.A.G 1598/25 to the 32-pin connector.
6. Use the multi meter V.A.G 1526 between terminal 8 and terminal 7 (sensor ground) and measure the resistance.

Base value

1. Coolant temperature 90 °C: approx. 110 Ohm
2. Coolant temperature 120 °C: approx. 50 Ohm

If the base value is not achieved, check the harness connectors to the sender for the coolant temperature -G2-.

1. Check wire connection according to wiring diagram.

See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.

If the wire connections are ok, replace coolant temperature sensor -G2-.

Special tools and equipment

1. Multi meter V.A.G 1526
2. Test box V.A.G 1598 with adapter V.A.G 1598/25
3. Measuring aid set V.A.G 1594
4. Test box for each individual engine control unit

1. Start the engine and test drive.
2. Observe consumption display in the instrument cluster.

Indicated on display

1. continuously 0.0 L/100 km eventually the signal wire is shorted to battery minus. Switch ignition off. Connect the individual Test box to engine control unit t. See appropriate Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) article in Engine Performance. Instrument cluster removal (See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000) ): disconnect the blue 32-pin connector from the instrument cluster. Connect the test box V.A.G 1598 with the adapter V.A.G 1598/25 to the 32-pin connector. Use the multi meter V.A.G 1526 and connect (+) test lead on the test box V.A.G 1598/25 sleeve 25. Connect the (-) Test lead of the individual test box of the engine control unit and the appropriate consumption signal bushing of the engine control unit. Perform resistance measurement. Specification: display < 2 Ohm Connect the multi meter V.A.G 1526 (+) Test lead to the individual test box engine control unit. Connect the (-) Test lead to battery positive and negative. Perform resistance measurement. Specification: display > 9 M Ohm If the specification is met, the wire connection is OK.
2. continuously 51 L/100 km See possible break in signal wire. Switch ignition off. Connect the test box to the engine control unit. See appropriate Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) article in Engine Performance. Instrument cluster removal. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-up-to-2000) . Disconnect the blue 32-pin connector from the instrument cluster. Connect the test box V.A.G 1598 with the adapter V.A.G 1598/25 to the 32-pin connector. Connect the multi meter V.A.G 1526 (+) Test lead of the test box V.A.G 1598/25 to bushing 25 Connect the (-) Test lead of the individual test box of the engine control unit and the appropriate consumption signal bushing of the engine control unit. Perform resistance measurement. Specification: display 2 Ohm Connect the multi meter V.A.G 1526 (+) Test lead to the individual test box engine control unit. Connect the (-) Test lead to battery positive and negative. Perform resistance measurement. Specification: display > 9 M Ohm If the specification is met, the wire connection is OK.
3. The consumption display has an unreal or varying value

The consumption display is different than the actual fuel consumption.

1. Perform the adjustment of the consumption display. See «ADAPTATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-up-to-2000__adaptation-of-fuel-consumption-display) .

See also:
• CHECK DTC MEMORY (SCAN TOOL FUNCTION 02)
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
• SEAT BENCH, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
• CHECK DTC MEMORY
• SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE -- ALL WHEEL DRIVE
• ADAPTATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BULB AND MULTI-PIN CONNECTOR LOCATIONS
• CONNECTOR FOR SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE -G-, TERMINAL ASSIGNMENTS