Cluster swap and ESP Addition - Help needed

ShagginWagon

Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2010
Location
Oklahoma City, OK
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS Wagon
First off, thank you in advance to anyone who can help me with these two complex issues.

I recently purchased a very nice 2003 Jetta Wagon in perfect 'virgin' form. Nothing has been added or taken from the car that I can tell. I am currently trying to gather the parts needed to swap the cluster for an MFA cluster and hopefully add the ESP controls. With this I have a few questions.

1st job is the MFA Cluster:
I was able to purchase a used cluster for about $125, but the person selling the cluster does not have the SKC. The cluster is on its way from Germany, so it may be a month or so before I can take this project on. The cluster is a 1J0 920 926c (so the right cluster for my 2003 from what I can find on here). I have also ordered a stalk from Germany that should work with the Jetta, but I have since read that I ordered the one for a sedan without the rear wiper function. I will compare that to the one I have to see if I can 'adapt' it to make it work.
The big question is whether or not I can switch clusters without the SKC for the new cluster. Does anyone know this, or is there anyone in Oklahoma or the DFW area that has the tools to help me with it? I am certainly willing to pay, but the dealerships around have not been much help with my previous 2002 TDI sedan.

2nd job is adding ESP:
Has anyone done this to the wagon? Reading threads about it I find that many peple have done it, but I can't tell if it's different for the wagon than it is for the sedan. I think that ESP would be a great function since my wife made me buy an automatic since she plans to drive it often. I think it would be best to do the cluster and the ESP add at the same time since I don't have a VAG-Anything to help me program the car.

3rd job is replacing the timing belt:
I know it is good for more miles, but I think it best for me to put a new belt on it since the belt is 7+ years old. What is the best kit for the money? I probably won't take this on myself, but I figure if I buy the parts I may be able to find someone that has the right tools and know-how to switch it out.

This is my third VW, but only my second TDI. My previous car I left stock and never tried to do any mods. I would love to update this car with the few things that I need to make it last me a lifetime. If anyone can provide me with some answers I would be very appreciative. Additionally, if there is someone in the Oklahoma City area or Dallas area that has the tools and the time to help me with these projects I would be happy to come learn from you. I'll even bring the beverage(s) of your choice and pay you properly.
 

Powder Hound

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 25, 1999
Location
Under a Bridge, Crestview, FL, USA
TDI
'00 Golf 4dr White 5sp, '02 Jettachero 5sp, Wife's '03 NB Platinum Gray auto(!)
2: You can add ASR, but ESP requires a lot of sensors and other hardware.

3: Does the belt really look like it is damaged or falling apart due to age? How many miles on the current belt?

OTOH: if you have a strong desire to keep builders of parts for german cars happy, then by all means replace the belt and associated parts whether they are needed or not.
 

ShagginWagon

Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2010
Location
Oklahoma City, OK
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS Wagon
The belt does not look that bad. There are 40,000 miles on the car and the TB has never been changed. It seems like I remember reading that it should be changed every 5 years even if the milage was not reached. I will do some more research on this.

I think I will skip the ESP add until after winter. I will drive it for a while to see if it's needed to avoid any unnecessary costs. I really can't wait to get my cluster put in, but it's sounding more and more like I'll be one of those guys headed to the stealership begging them to perform such a random task... and then my cheap MFA conversion will turn into a nightmare. Hopefully I'm wrong.
 
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