BlackHatContracting
BlackHatContracting Reader
8/24/10 8:39 a.m.

01 New Beetle, swapped the dash cluster, but now the car wont start. The dealer says you have to bring it in and theyll charge you $60, is there anyway we can do this ourselves? If we swap in the old cluster it starts again. Is there a security reset or what?

Junkyard_Dog
Junkyard_Dog HalfDork
8/24/10 9:07 a.m.

It probably won't start because of a mileage discrepancy between the cluster and ECU(s) if its not security. I doubt a regular scanner could program that, and $60 from a dealer is a steal. Drive it in with the old cluster to save a tow bill, swap it in the drive, and drive home with the new cluster.

WARNING On the older Range Rovers I work on when you swap ECUs or clusters that are used the entire system programs to THE HIGHEST MILEAGE IT SEES. So if your new cluster has 150k on it but the car only has 50k, you just lost 100k miles in 10 seconds. Not sure if VWs are like that but its something to be aware of and certainly ask about.

John Brown
John Brown SuperDork
8/24/10 11:32 a.m.

You need to tow it to the dealer and have them code the keys and program the speedo to the car. JYDs method is best. Drive it in, swap, reset basic settings, Pay $103.02, drive home. BTW if your dealer is only charging you $60.00 you should RUN not walk to have them do it. We charge 1 hr of labor to recode the speedo and keys.

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