Rocky-in-Connecticut

The Audi Tech doesn't even see the security pin code anymore. It is all handled by the official VAS VW/Audi scan tool connected directly to the internet to Germany. The VAS scan tool pulls the necessary numbers from the cluster and adapts the immobilizer using a preset program.

the following comes directly from the Vag Com website:

<i>...Recently, VW/Audi dealerships have switched to the new GEKO system, whereby their factory scan tools dial up the factory while connected to a car. Under this system, the technician no longer sees the SKC at all and you will need to bring your vehicle into the dealer to have Immobilizer work performed. VAG-COM does not interact with the GEKO system.</i>

note: Vag Com is an aftermarket product and cannot be used for immobilizers anymore since Audi changed their procedures. Vag Com also cannot be used to program keys anymore if you have an immobilizer. Feel free to complain to Audi of America about this as others have.

GDJT Allroad^2

Add an "X" to the end of the p/n, dropped the price of a dash from $1k to $380.... "X" is remanufactured part suffix. Try it!

QuickA8

Good tip I will try that.

ex-a8drifter

This is just a thought...perhaps you could dismantle the old cluster and just replace the screen?

A8L_Driver_Dan

the 2000 cluster is a fully integrated pcb. I took the cluster completely apart, and there are NO lightbulbs to replace. I was thinking of replacing the dead diodes, but there are soooo many that are faded(time, date, trip miles, odom) and one that is totally dead (CEL). The dead CEL will not pass inspection in NYS which uses a service station computer connection directly to NYS DMV. No way around it here!

Also, getting at the diodes appears tricky as the needles and dial face seem to be glued into place. The face appears thin and would bend/crease easily.

diogeniS8

I got my self the tool that reads the SKC from immo3. Bye Bye stealers.......Needed to program one more key... i had to make an appointment charge me for a couple of hours.... waste the whole day....