Instruments - 2001 and Up Audi S6 C5

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. Automatic transmission models also contain an LCD gear indicator display.

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

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. The instrument cluster must be coded according to market and equipment versions See «CODE CONTROL MODULE (FUNCTION 07)»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__code-control-module-function-07) .
6. The odometer reading must be adapted to the new/exchange instrument cluster using the VAS 5051 tester See «VAS 5051 TESTER, CONNECTING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
7. Anti-theft immobilizer functions supported by the instrument cluster must be adapted to the Engine Control Module (ECM) using the VAS 5051 tester See «ADAPTATION AFTER REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__adaptation-after-replacing-instrument-cluster) .

Additional information

1. Instrument cluster, On Board Diagnostic (OBD) See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD)»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
2. Navigation system functions, On Board Diagnostic (OBD) See «NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH M.Y. 2001, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD)»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/communication-devices/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-radio-navigation-steering-telematics) . See «NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH M.Y. 2001»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/communication-devices/#radio-telephone-navigation-trip-computer) .
3. Complaint/symptom based repairs ("Service Fixes)" Check for Technical Bulletins.

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/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

Instrument cluster, removing and installing

Removing

Note. It is not necessary to remove the steering wheel to remove the instrument cluster.

If replacing a malfunctioning instrument cluster with a new one, note odometer reading on existing cluster prior to removal.

1. Determine input values for replacing instrument cluster (i.e.: SRI values etc. where applicable): See «INPUT VALUES FOR REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__input-values-for-replacing-instrument-cluster) .
2. Adjust steering wheel completely out and downward.
3. Press cover -1- upward at side and then remove cover from instrument panel.
4. Remove Phillips head screws -1-.
5. Pull out instrument cluster toward front.
6. Cut cable ties at rear of instrument cluster.
7. Unclip securing latches of connectors and disconnect connectors.

Installing

Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following

1. Connect electrical harness connectors and affix wiring harness to rear of instrument cluster with cable ties.
2. After installation, perform a function test of the instrument cluster.
3. If the function test is OK, enter the input values for the instrument cluster (i.e.: SRI etc. where applicable): See «INPUT VALUES FOR REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__input-values-for-replacing-instrument-cluster) .
4. Code instrument cluster according to market and equipment versions using the VAS 5051 tester See «VAS 5051 TESTER, CONNECTING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
5. Adapt odometer reading to new/exchange instrument cluster using the VAS 5051 tester See «VAS 5051 TESTER, CONNECTING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
6. Adapt anti-theft immobilizer functions supported by the instrument cluster to Engine Control Module (ECM) using the VAS 5051 tester See «ADAPTATION AFTER REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__adaptation-after-replacing-instrument-cluster) .

Multi-pin connectors at instrument cluster

Note. All control lamps in instrument cluster are equipped with LEDs. Instrument cluster must be replaced when one control lamp fails.

1. Green 32-pin multi-pin connector
2. Blue 32-pin multi-pin connector
3. Gray 32-pin multi-pin connector
4. Black 4-pin multi-pin connector for remote clock (not connected in US)

Blue 32-pin multi-pin connector

Note. The following list refers to (Scheme 4) and (Scheme 5).

1. Terminal 15
2. Brake pad wear
3. Speedometer output 1
4. Not assigned
5. Tank sensor
6. Tank warning OBD 2
7. Terminal 31 (sensor Ground (GND))
8. Coolant temperature
9. Terminal 31 (load Ground (GND))
10. Oil pressure 2 (high)
11. RPM signal
12. A/C shut-off
13. E-Gas/glow plug control
14. Level control
15. Terminal 58d
16. Trailer turn signal
17. High beam
18. Left turn signal
19. Not assigned
20. Terminal 58s
21. Driver door contact
22. Lack of coolant
23. Terminal 30
24. Terminal 31 (load Ground (GND))
25. Consumption signal
26. Right parking light
27. Left parking light
28. Tachometer input
29. Brake
30. S-contact
31. Speedometer output 2
32. ESP/ASR

Green 32-pin multi-pin connector

Note. The following list refers to (Scheme 6) and (Scheme 7).

1. Not assigned
2. Transponder
3. Not assigned
4. Not assigned
5. W-wire
6. Not assigned
7. Right turn signal
8. External buzzer
9. External gong
10. Airbag
11. Stand-still time output
12. Terminal 61
13. Parking brake/BRAKE
14. CHECK
15. Oil level/oil temperature
16. Not assigned
17. Transponder 2
18. CAN low speed (powertrain) (high +)
19. CAN low speed (powertrain) (low -)
20. CAN low speed (powertrain) (screen)
21. ABS
22. CAN low speed (comfort) (high +)
23. CAN low speed (comfort) (low -)
24. CAN low speed (comfort) (screen)
25. Hood
26. Fuel filler cap
27. Belt buckle
28. K-wire
29. Outside temperature-input
30. Terminal 58d (ext. Dimmer potentiometer)
31. Selector range display
32. Automatic vertical headlight aim control system

Gray 32-pin multi-pin connector

Note. Allocated vertically for VDO version.

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 8 and see scheme 9.

1. Menu selection switch (menu)
2. Menu selection switch (out A)
3. Menu selection switch (out B)
4. Menu selection switch (Ener)
5. CAN high speed display (high +)
6. CAN high speed display (low -)
7. CAN high speed display (screen)
8. Not assigned
9. Not assigned
10. Not assigned
11. Enable
12. Clock
13. Data
14. Brake light
15. Windshield washer fluid level
16. Rear lights/low beams (lamp control)
17. Left board computer
18. Driver information system, right
19. Driver information system, reset
20. Remote input, auxiliary heater
21. Summer / winter switch-over
22. Auxiliary heater on
23. Button branch 1 navigation
24. Button branch 2 navigation
25. Button branch telematic
26. Not assigned
27. Not assigned
28. Not assigned
29. Not assigned
30. Not assigned
31. Not assigned
32. Not assigned

Special Tools and Equipment

1. VAG 1526A
2. VAG 1594A
3. VAG 1598A
4. VAG 1598/25
5. VAS 5051 with VAS 5051/1

Scheme 1

Test requirement

1. VAS 5051 tester connected.

Test sequence

If a malfunction of the RPM display at tachometer is detected, signal at the tachometer must be checked.

1. Read measuring value block display group 001: See «MEASURING VALUE BLOCK 001»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
2. Perform a road test.
3. Check indication in display field -1-. Specification: The current speed must be indicated (compare with speedometer)

If the speed is being indicated, but not at instrument cluster

1. Replace instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

If the speed is not indicated

1. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
2. Connect VAG 1598A test box to blue 32-pin multi-pin harness connector using VAG 1598/25 adapter.
3. Raise vehicle -via lift if possible-, until the front left wheel is free.
4. Connect multimeter between terminal 28 and 9 for continuity test
5. Turn left front wheel. The multimeter must deliver short whistling signals.

If test is not OK

1. Check wire connection between instrument cluster and speed sensor according to wiring diagram.

If no malfunctions are found in wire

1. Replace speed sensor.

1. VAG 1526A
2. VAG 1594A
3. VAG 1598A
4. VAG 1598/25
5. VAS 5051 with VAS 5051/1

Scheme 2

1. VAS 5051 tester connected.

If a malfunction of the sender for fuel gauge is detected at instrument cluster, check if the signal at the instrument cluster is OK.

1. Read measuring value block display group 002. See «MEASURING VALUE BLOCK 002»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
2. Check indication in display field -2-.
3. Replace instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

If the fuel supply is not indicated

1. Check signal at multi-pin harness connector at instrument cluster.
2. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
3. Connect VAG 1598A test box to blue 32-pin multi-pin harness connector using VAG 1598/25 adapter.
4. Connect multimeter between terminal 5 and 7 (sensor Ground (GND)) for resistance measurement. Specification: between approx. 70 ohm (tank empty) and approx. 270 ohm (tank full)

If specified value is not obtained

1. Check wire connection between instrument cluster and sender for fuel gauge according to wiring diagram.

If no malfunctions are found in wires

1. Check sender for fuel gauge. See «SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE, CHECKING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/fuel-system/#fuel-supply-system-all-engines) .

If specified value is obtained

1. Replace instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

Vehicles with front wheel drive

Sender for fuel gauge is located below the floor cover of the luggage compartment.

1. Unscrew cover for connector flange below the luggage compartment carpet. NOTE: To do so, remove luggage compartment floor on the Avant. See «CARGO AREA FLOOR TRIM AND SUPPORTS (AVANT), REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__cargo-area-floor-trim-and-supports) .
2. Carefully disengage and disconnect 4-pin harness connector (arrow).

Scheme 3

Note. Terminal assignment for vehicles with front and all wheel drive is identical.

Vehicles with all wheel drive

For vehicles with all wheel drive, the three senders for fuel gauge are connected in sequence.

1. The central connector for all sensors is located on right below the rear seat bench.
2. Remove rear seat bench. See «SEAT BENCH, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/seats/#seats-frames__seat-bench-removing-and-installing) .
3. Unscrew cover for connector flange at right beneath rear seat bench
4. Carefully disengage and disconnect 4-pin harness connector (arrow).

Scheme 4

Note. Terminal assignment for vehicles with front and all wheel drive is identical.

Terminal assignment of the 4-pin harness connector at sender for fuel gauge

Note. The following list refers to see scheme 16.

1. B+ activation of electrical fuel pump
2. Wire connection from sender for fuel gauge to instrument cluster (fuel gauge)
3. Ground (GND) from sender for fuel gauge (sensor Ground (GND))
4. Ground (GND) electrical fuel pump

Scheme 5

1. VAG 1526A
2. VAG 1594A
3. VAG 1598A
4. VAG 1598/25
5. VAS 5051 with VAS 5051/1

Scheme 6

1. VAS 5051 tester connected.

If a malfunction of the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) gauge is detected at the instrument cluster, check if the signal at the instrument cluster is OK.

1. Read measuring value block display group 003. See «MEASURING VALUE BLOCK 003»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up) .
2. Check indication in display field -1-.

If the coolant temperature is indicated, instrument cluster is malfunctioning.

1. Replace instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .

If the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) is not indicated

1. Check signal at multi-pin harness connector at instrument cluster.
2. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) .
3. Connect VAG 1598A test box to blue 32-pin multi-pin harness connector using VAG 1598/25 adapter.
4. Connect multimeter between terminal 8 and 7 (sensor Ground (GND)) for resistance measurement.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE SPECIFICATION

If specified values are not obtained

1. Check wire connection between instrument cluster and Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor according to wiring diagram.

If no malfunctions are found in wire

1. Replace coolant temperature sensor.

1. VAG 1526A
2. VAG 1594A
3. VAG 1598A
4. VAG 1598/25

Scheme 7

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

1. consumption display constant 0.0 L/100 km NOTE: If the consumption display is constant 0,0 L/100 km, the signal wire could have a short circuit to Ground (GND). Switch ignition off. Connect the respective test box to the Engine Control Module (ECM). See appropriate Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) article in Engine Performance. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) . Connect VAG 1598A test box to blue 32-pin multi-pin harness connector using VAG 1598/25 adapter. Connect multimeter for resistance measurement between terminal 25 of VAG 1598/25 test box and the terminal for consumption signal at test box for Engine Control Module (ECM). Specification: smaller than 2 ohm Connect multimeter for resistance measurement between socket for consumption signal at test box for Engine Control Module (ECM) and to Ground (GND). Specification: larger than 9 M ohm If the specified values are reached, the wire connection is OK.
2. consumption display constant 51.0 L/100 km NOTE: If the consumption display is constant 51.0 L/100 km, the signal wire could have an open circuit. Switch ignition off. Connect the respective test box to the Engine Control Module (ECM). See appropriate Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) article in Engine Performance. Remove instrument cluster. See «INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#instruments-2001-and-up__instrument-cluster-removing-and-installing) . Connect VAG 1598A test box to blue 32-pin multi-pin harness connector using VAG 1598/25 adapter. Connect multimeter for resistance measurement between terminal 25 of VAG 1598/25 test box and the terminal for consumption signal at test box for Engine Control Module (ECM). Specification: smaller than 2 ohm Connect multimeter for resistance measurement between socket for consumption signal at test box for Engine Control Module (ECM) and to Ground (GND). Specification: larger than 9 M ohm If the specified values are reached, the wire connection is OK.
3. The consumption display has no logical or a fluctuating consumption value. The consumption display deviates from the actual fuel consumption. Perform adaptation of consumption display. See «ADAPTATION CHANNEL 03-ADAPTATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__adaptation-channel-03-adaptation-of-fuel-consumption) .

Consumption signal, checking (engine at powertrain CAN-bus)

Note. On some engines, the consumption signal is transferred from the Engine Control Module (ECM) to the instrument cluster via the powertrain CAN-bus. Malfunctions in the communication between Engine Control Module (ECM) and instrument cluster can only be detected via On Board Diagnostic (OBD) (DTC 01312 and 01314).

See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) .

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

1. consumption display constant 0.0 L/100 km or constant 51.0 L/100 km Check DTC memory in instrument cluster to check whether there is a malfunction in the communication link between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the consumption display in instrument cluster. See «CHECK DTC MEMORY (FUNCTION 02)»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__check-dtc-memory-function-02) and «ADAPTATION CHANNEL 03 -ADAPTATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__adaptation-channel-03-adaptation-of-fuel-consumption) . If neither "powertrain CAN-bus malfunctioning" nor "Engine Control Module (ECM) no communication" is displayed, check control modules which are involved in powertrain CAN-bus for a malfunction. See «DATA EXCHANGE BETWEEN CONTROL MODULES, CHECKING»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__data-exchange-between-control-modules-checking) .
2. The consumption display has no logical or a fluctuating consumption value. The consumption display deviates from the actual fuel consumption. Perform adaptation of consumption display. See «ADAPTATION CHANNEL 03 -ADAPTATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY»(/audi/s6/c5-1999-2004/remont/cruise-control-systems/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-2001-and-up__adaptation-channel-03-adaptation-of-fuel-consumption) .

See also:
• CODE CONTROL MODULE (FUNCTION 07)
• VAS 5051 TESTER, CONNECTING
• ADAPTATION AFTER REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
• NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH M.Y. 2001, ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD)
• NAVIGATION SYSTEM III (NS-LOW) THROUGH M.Y. 2001
• EMERGENCY (BACK-UP) BATTERY, SWITCH ON/OFF, RESET TIME REGISTER
• INPUT VALUES FOR REPLACING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
• SENDER FOR FUEL GAUGE, CHECKING
• CARGO AREA FLOOR TRIM AND SUPPORTS (AVANT), REMOVING AND INSTALLING
• SEAT BENCH, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
• ADAPTATION CHANNEL 03-ADAPTATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DISPLAY
• CHECK DTC MEMORY (FUNCTION 02)
• DATA EXCHANGE BETWEEN CONTROL MODULES, CHECKING
• INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING