instrument cluster or ECU?

[GertTurdInside]

Hi Guys.
Started my car up on sunday and my dash lit up like a xmas tree then cut out! plugged a scanner in and says "communication error" or words to that effect! Just had a auto electrician out (£90) to basically tell me he isn't sure but it "probably" the Instrument cluster. I have had a look and doesn't seem to be many issues reported with them on the Mk5's. I have taken the dash out and its currently winging its way to bba reman who can repair it for £115 "if" it is that thats faulty. Has anyone had the same issue or any other ideas what it could be?

following fault codes came up
0520 engine comp
017D instrument cluster
01DA access system immobiliser no signal
0538 
0519 audio Can data bus

[doylebros]

You have to start somewhere and clusters do fail, causing the fault you described.

However, I would of gone for a scan with vcds and looked at the whole picture.

So the next stage is refit the item, scan with vcds - clear fault codes - rescan - and then go for starting the vehicle subject to the scan results!

[martziniuk]

Had a similar issue with mine but I had lots of can bus communication errors. Tuned out to be a £6 relay around the dash area I think.

[Eddie-NL]

get a proper scan with vcds

does the car start?

more info about your car would help

[GertTurdInside]

Wow! thanks for all the replies.
Your right I do have to start somewhere and that seems to be as good a place as any!
I thought the scan he did was with vcds? Or assuming so as I'm a bit green when it comes to that side of things.
Just to clarify its completely standard mk5 gti 07 plate.
If it turns out the cluster is the problem will I need to get the fault codes cleared?

Also while I got your attention, I have a problem which I think is related to the Diverter Valve. I have took it out and checked for splits and it was fine. After that I had my old car back, turbo coming in at 2000 rpm, great fun, big smiles! But now (before the electrical fault) it's going crap again. Can the D.Valve get stuck open/closed or do they need greasing up or anything? Don't really wanna put a new one in if its something else.

Cheers for all ya advise guys. Really appreciate it.

[doylebros]

Have a look here

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,120.0.html

See if anyone is local to you and when you get your cluster back get a full scan and see what fault codes are stored and progress from there.

[Eddie-NL]

does the car start?

[Pikey Motorsports]

cant help sorry.. but car wont start without cluster.. was it firing up?

[GertTurdInside]

does the car start?

Yes mate but then goes off again. I'm assuming the immobiliser is kicking in?

[Pikey Motorsports]

car wouldnt start atall if its not detecting dials as far as i can remember

[Eddie-NL]

The car won't run if the ECU can't see the cluster

Check your gateway for water damage

Check the wiring for that too

[GertTurdInside]

The car won't run if the ECU can't see the cluster

Check your gateway for water damage

Check the wiring for that too

So would that mean its not the cluster then?

Sorry when you say gateway do you mean the box under the wipers/ rain cover? I did have a look at that if thats what you mean, couldnt physically take it out but was dry and didnt have any damp patches!

Just about to send the cluster so dont wanna waste time if its unlikely to be that.

[Eddie-NL]

It could be the cluster, but it could be a whole host of other items

where are you located?

[GertTurdInside]

It could be the cluster, but it could be a whole host of other items

where are you located?

In wiltshire. South west. The cluster has now been sent to BBA-reman so should find out in a few days if that's faulty. Keep you guys posted!

[GertTurdInside]

Ok, so I'v just had a call from Bba-reman and the instrument cluster is not faulty! The only other thing they are suggesting it might be is the Body Control Modual. The guy at Bba has said to plug the cluster back in and see if it still comes up with the fault lights. If it does it could be that. I'm back to square 1 and worried this is going to be a exspencive slippery slope! Can any one come up with any other things to check before I make the dreaded call to my local stealer!?
Any help would be great.