Instruments Audi A8 D3

General information

The instrument cluster contains an electronic speedometer, tachometer, liquid crystal (LCD) displays for odometer, trip odometer, digital clock with date, as well as analog coolant temperature and fuel level gauges. Control and warning lamps are situated within the speedometer and tachometer faces. An LCD gear indicator display is included.

A "Driver's Information System" LCD is located between the tachometer and speedometer. Displayed information includes an auto check system, outside air temperature, automatic transmission range, radio frequency and selectable trip computer functions.

The Driver's Information System contains a selection menu. This is operated via a function selection switch in the center console with the functions

1. Turn knob toward left. Selection arrow moves downward
2. Turn knob toward right. Selection arrow moves upward
3. Press knob. Confirm selection
4. Additional information on the selection menu See Audi A8 Owners Manual.

The optional Navigation system display is also included in the Driver's Information System (where applicable).

The instrument cluster is equipped with an adaptable Service Reminder Indicator (SRI), i.e. the instrument cluster evaluates various service requirements of the vehicle based on input quantities like, for example, driveability or oil consumption.

Brightness of the instrument cluster lighting is automatically regulated based on the brightness of surrounding light. The control range of the automatic brightness control can be adjusted using the plus and minus buttons.

See Audi A8 Owners Manual.

Notes on exchanging instrument cluster

1. Do not disassemble instrument cluster.
2. When the replacement of a malfunctioning instrument cluster is necessary, follow exchange part procedures.
3. Complete report form and return together with inst. cluster.
4. Use the original packaging from the new cluster when returning modules.
5. Various input values must be transferred and initiated after replacing the instrument cluster. Details. See «INPUT VALUES FOR REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd__input-values-for-replacing-instrument-cluster) .

Additional information

1. Instrument cluster, On Board Diagnostic (OBD). See «ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INITIATING»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
2. Navigation system functions, On Board Diagnostic (OBD) See «NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH 01.01, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD)»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/communication-devices/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-radio-navigation-steering-telematics) or «NAVIGATION SYSTEM IV (BNS 4.0) FROM 01.01, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD)»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/communication-devices/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-radio-navigation-steering-telematics) . See «NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH 01.01»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/communication-devices/#radio-telephone-navigation-trip-computer) or «NAVIGATION SYSTEM IV (BNS 4.0) FROM 01.01»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/communication-devices/#radio-telephone-navigation-trip-computer) .
3. Complaint/symptom based repairs ("Service Fixes") See Technical Bulletins.

Contact Corrosion

To minimize contact corrosion, only use approved fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts, washers etc.)

Where applicable, fasteners may have a special surface coating recognizable by a greenish color.

Coated fasteners must also be stored separately.

On Board Diagnostic (OBD), function

The instrument cluster is controlled by an internal microprocessor with On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capability. If malfunctions occur in monitored sensors and components, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) will be stored in memory.

If OBD recognizes instrument cluster malfunctions related to the

1. odometer
2. speedometer calibration

The trip odometer display will change to show "dEF.".

In this case, replace speedometer. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Other malfunctions recognized by OBD will not cause the trip odometer display to change as described above.

Before performing any troubleshooting or inspection, always begin by checking for DTCs using the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) program. DTCs stored in memory are retrieved/checked with VAS 5051 in mode "Self Diagnosis"

Where applicable, also use VAS 5051 tester in mode "Guided Fault Finding".

Malfunction message "dEF" on trip odometer display

If the control module in the instrument cluster detects a malfunction in its permanent memory, the letters "dEF" will appear on the trip odometer display.

1. If "dEF" is indicated on display, replace instrument cluster See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

Instrument cluster, removing and installing

Removing

Note. Instrument cluster cannot be disassembled. It is not necessary to remove the steering wheel when removing the instrument cluster. For the sake of clarity, the steering wheel is not shown in the following illustrations. Before removing the instrument cluster, check DTC memory. See CHECK DTC MEMORY (FUNCTION 02) . Use the VAG 1551 or VAG1552 Scan Tool (ST) to check the Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) and odometer readings and record the displayed values. See ADAPTATION (FUNCTION 10) .

1. Using steering column adjustment, pull steering wheel out and down as far as it will go.
2. Push in both covers (arrows) and remove from instrument cluster.
3. Remove screws at right and left.
4. Remove instrument cluster toward front.
5. Cut cable ties on back side of instrument cluster.
6. Release retaining tabs on harness connectors and disconnect connector.

Installing

1. Connect electrical connectors and secure wiring harness on back of instrument cluster using cable ties.
2. Install instrument cluster in reverse order of removal.
3. After installing, check operation.
4. Transfer and initiate all applicable input values. See «INPUT VALUES FOR REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd__input-values-for-replacing-instrument-cluster) .

Instrument cluster multi-pin connectors

Note. On the Audi A8, all of the warning/indicator lamps are LED lamps. If one of the LED lamps is malfunctioning, the entire instrument cluster must be replaced.

Instrument cluster

1. 32-pin connector, green
2. 32-pin connector, blue
3. 32-pin connector, gray
4. 4-pin connector for radio-signal clock, black (not included in USA)

32-pin connector for basic functions, blue

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 4.

1. Left turn signal
2. Right turn signal
3. Coolant temperature sensor
4. Fuel gauge sender
5. Terminal 31 sensor Ground (GND)
6. Vacant
7. Vacant
8. Fog lights, front
9. Fog lights, rear
10. Airbag
11. Child seat recognition
12. High beams
13. Trailer turn signals
14. Parking brake
15. Terminal 61
16. Self-levelling suspension
17. Brake pad
18. Hydraulic fluid level/brake fluid
19. Oil pressure 1.2 bar
20. Seat belt buckle
21. Oil filter
22. Automatic headlight aim control
23. Brake light
24. Tail lights / dimmed headlights
25. CAT (Japan)/Diesel (glow plug controls)
26. Terminal 15 (Pin 1)
27. Terminal 15 (Pin 2)
28. Terminal 30 (Pin 1)
29. Terminal 30 (Pin 2)
30. Terminal 31 (Pin 3)
31. Terminal 31 (Pin 1)
32. Terminal 31 (Pin 2)

32-pin connector for additional functions, green

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 5.

1. Transponder 1
2. K-wire
3. Vacant
4. Vacant
5. Outside air temperature sensor
6. Ignition key terminal 86s
7. Remote access for auxiliary heater
8. Consumption signal
9. E-Gas
10. Reserve access
11. Oil level
12. Multi-function switch Output B
13. Multi-function switch Output A
14. Multi-function switch, enter button
15. On board computer, left
16. On board computer, right
17. Transponder 2
18. CAN-Bus LOW engine harness
19. CAN-Bus shielding engine harness
20. CAN-Bus HIGH engine harness
21. CAN-Bus LOW Navigation
22. CAN-Bus HIGH Navigation
23. CAN-Bus HIGH Comfort
24. CAN-Bus LOW Comfort
25. Immobilizer input from immobilizer
26. Engine electronics (CARB, OBDII)
27. On-board computer, reset
28. Multi-function switch, menu button
29. Outside chime
30. Outside gong
31. Parking light, right
32. Parking light, left

32-pin connector for multi-function display, gray

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 6.

1. Telematic button
2. Multi-function switch, button branch 2
3. Multi-function switch, button branch 3
4. Hood switch
5. Navigation data
6. Fuel filler flap switch
7. V-signal input
8. A/C system output
9. V-signal output 1
10. 3rd blower level
11. Rear lid
12. Summer/Winter switch-over
13. Tank warning
14. Terminal 58
15. Driver-side door
16. Standing time output
17. Washer fluid level
18. Coolant level
19. ABS
20. ASR
21. Navigation-clock
22. Navigation-Enable
23. Terminal 58s (Pin 1)
24. Terminal 58s (Pin 2)
25. Terminal 58s (Pin 3)
26. Terminal 58d (Pin 1)
27. Terminal 58d (Pin 2)
28. Door lock-output
29. Door, right-rear
30. Door, left-rear
31. Passenger-side door
32. Auxiliary heater-output

Vehicle speed signal, checking

If the speedometer shows an incorrect reading, first check whether the signal is received by the speedometer.

1. Connect VAS 5051 tester or VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST). See «VAS 5051 TESTER OR VAG 1551 SCAN TOOL, CONNECTING AND SELECTING FUNCTIONS»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
2. Read Measuring Value Block. See «READ MEASURING VALUE BLOCK (FUNCTION 07)»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
3. Press buttons -0-, -0- and -1- to input display group number 001, and press -Q- button to confirm input.
4. Road test vehicle.
5. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
6. Connect VAG1598 to gray 32-pin connector using the VAG1598/25 adapter.
7. Perform an acoustic continuity test of wire between socket 7 and vehicle ground using multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent).
8. Check wire connection according to wiring diagram. See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.

Speed sensor must be replaced if wire connection is OK.

Signal from sender for fuel gauge -G-, 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 VAS 5051 tester or VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST). See «VAS 5051 TESTER OR VAG 1551 SCAN TOOL, CONNECTING AND SELECTING FUNCTIONS»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
2. Read Measuring Value Block. See «READ MEASURING VALUE BLOCK (FUNCTION 07)»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
3. Press buttons -0-, -0- and -2- to input display group number 002, and press -Q- button to confirm input.
4. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
5. Connect VAG1598 to blue 32-pin connector using the VAG1598/25 adapter.
6. Measure resistance between socket 4 and socket 5 (sensor Ground -GND-) using multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent).

Scheme 5

1. Check wire connection between instrument cluster and sender for fuel gauge -G- or -G169- according to wiring diagram if specified values are not obtained. See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.
2. Check sender for fuel gauge -G- or -G169- if there is neither an open circuit or a short circuit.
3. Check sender for fuel gauge. See «FUEL SUPPLY COMPONENTS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(ref-196863-S10774097252005100900000) .
4. If specified values are not obtained, malfunction is at instrument cluster, i.e. instrument cluster must be replaced. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

Consumption signal, checking

Note. In the Audi A8 GP, the consumption signal is transmitted from the Engine Control Module (ECM) to the instrument cluster via the power train data-bus. Malfunctions between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the instrument cluster an only be recognized via On Board Diagnostic (OBD) of the instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) .

Test sequence

1. Start engine and perform a road test.
2. Observe the consumption signal in the instrument cluster.

What appears in consumption display?

1. always 0.0 L/100 km or always 51 L/100 km. Check DTC memory in instrument cluster to determine whether there are malfunctions in the power train data-bus affecting the communication between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the consumption display in the instrument cluster. See «CHECK DTC MEMORY (FUNCTION 02)»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd__check-dtc-memory-function-02) . If there is no malfunction in the power train data-bus, and no communication with the Engine Control Module (ECM), check control modules that are connected to the power train data-bus for malfunctions. See «IF YOU CANNOT DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE MALFUNCTION, E.G. "POWER TRAIN DATA-BUS FAULTY", CHECK WHETHER ONE OF THE CONTROL MODULES MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DTC»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd__if-you-cannot-determine-a-cause) . If no malfunctions are found, remove instrument cluster. See «Instrument cluster, removing and installing»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
2. Consumption display has an unreasonable or erratic indication. See if consumption display deviates from actual consumption. Adapt consumption display. See «ADAPTATION OF FUEL GAUGE»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd__adaptation-of-fuel-gauge) .

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- signal, checking

If the coolant temperature display in the instrument cluster shows an incorrect reading, first check whether the signal is received by the instrument cluster.

1. Connect VAS 5051 tester or VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST). See «VAS 5051 TESTER OR VAG 1551 SCAN TOOL, CONNECTING AND SELECTING FUNCTIONS»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
2. Read Measuring Value Block. See «READ MEASURING VALUE BLOCK (FUNCTION 07)»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/collisionavoidance/#on-board-diagnostic-obd) .
3. Press buttons -0-, -0- and -3- to input display group number 003, and press -Q- button to confirm input.
4. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a8/d3-2002-2005/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
5. Connect VAG1598 to blue 32-pin connector using the VAG1598/25 adapter.
6. Measure resistance between socket 3 and socket 5 (sensor Ground -GND-) using multimeter (Fluke 83 or equivalent) Specified values: Coolant temperature 90 °C: approx. 110 Ohm Coolant temperature 120 °C: approx. 50 Ohm Check wire connection to Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- if specified values are not obtained.
7. Check wire connection according to wiring diagram. See appropriate System Wiring Diagram article.
8. If specified values are not obtained, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor -G2- must be replaced.

See also:
• INPUT VALUES FOR REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
• ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INITIATING
• NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH 01.01, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD)
• NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH 01.01
• EXAMPLE: SWITCH OFF EMERGENCY (BACK-UP) BATTERY
• EXAMPLE: SWITCH ON EMERGENCY (BACK-UP) BATTERY
• CHECK DTC MEMORY (FUNCTION 02)
• ADAPTATION (FUNCTION 10)
• IF YOU CANNOT DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE MALFUNCTION, E.G. "POWER TRAIN DATA-BUS FAULTY", CHECK WHETHER ONE OF THE CONTROL MODULES MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DTC
• ADAPTATION OF FUEL GAUGE
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING