Instrument cluster replacement

Raymond.D

Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Location
Colorado
TDI
1996 Passat 1Z
1996 Passat TDI B4 needs instrument cluster repair or replacement. Are clusters interchangeable? Can I use any cluster from same year, same car?
 

Raymond.D

Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Location
Colorado
TDI
1996 Passat 1Z
...... Should also ask if there are know reputable repair shops for instrument clusters?

Thanks for any assistance.
 

BamaB4S

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2011
Location
AL
TDI
1996 Passat
1996 Passat TDI B4 needs instrument cluster repair or replacement. Are clusters interchangeable? Can I use any cluster from same year, same car?
Yes, you can do this. The odometer reading stays with the cluster so it will most likely not be accurate.
 

akal65

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 1, 2014
Location
Alaska
TDI
B4
Its the voltage regulator that go's bad , often from running a weak battery and the surge in voltage causes failure.
 

Abacus

That helpful B4 guy
Joined
Nov 10, 2007
Location
Relocated from Maine to Dewey, AZ
TDI
Only the B4V left
1996 Passat TDI B4 needs instrument cluster repair or replacement. Are clusters interchangeable? Can I use any cluster from same year, same car?
Yes you can use the instrument cluster from a '96/'97 TDI and it will go right in with no modifications, but the mileage will be off. Any gas cluster from 1995-1997 will also work but the tachometer won't read correctly, the check engine light will be the glow plug light and you won't have a check engine light. Otherwise it'll work fine, I've had to use them in the past. Just keep in mind the 1995 cluster is completely different from the '96/'97. The gas clusters can be reprogrammed for the TDI cars, even the MFA ones.
 

volksguy

Veteran Member
Joined
May 29, 2003
Hello do anyone know what company can actually program these clusters?
Seams some companys did before in the past.
But what Company Actually Can Now???
 

ToddA1

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 3, 2011
Location
NJ 08002
TDI
'96 B4V, '97 B4 (sold), '97 Jetta (scrapped)
Not cheap, but this place is worth a call….

Take note of the fine print. I haven’t used them, nor do I have any affiliation with them.

-Todd
 

starrd

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2003
Location
Canada
TDI
1996 Passat
I have some questions.
What exactly is wrong with your cluster? Everything dead, or just parts? if so, what parts. If all is dead, then it is likely the Elmos chip which is the voltage regulator and stepper motor drivers all in one chip. If so, then buy a used cluster. If it is partially still working then replace the 2 capacitors as described in this post:
470 uF cap and 220 uF cap.
If you buy a replacement cluster the reprogramming of the eprom for the correct mileage I could help with, but I'm in Canada and it makes it expensive shipping back and forth and you are always at risk of being charged duty and taxes if the paperwork is not properly filled out.

If you buy a used one make sure it is a Motometer and not the VDO.
 
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Abacus

That helpful B4 guy
Joined
Nov 10, 2007
Location
Relocated from Maine to Dewey, AZ
TDI
Only the B4V left
Hello do anyone know what company can actually program these clusters?
Seams some companys did before in the past.
But what Company Actually Can Now???
Yes, that was Derek at Chubbs Auto. He had a fire and got out of the business. Someone on the board here bought his equipment but they haven’t set up shop yet. I have no idea who does it now but do have a few clusters to have repaired. I still have a few good ones I think but haven’t checked them after the move west.
 
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