Replace B5 Audi A4 S4 RS4 Instrument Cluster Display

How to Replace a Broken Instrument Cluster Display on a B5 Audi

If you have a broken cluster display on your B5 Audi, don't panic! With our step-by-step guide, you can replace it yourself with just a few tools.

Required Materials:

(5-10min) Removing Cluster from Dashboard:

  1. Remove black trim piece that is directly above the steering column.
  2. Remove the two torx screws holding the instrument cluster to your B5's dashboard.
  3. Slowly pull cluster out of dashboard, you may have to wiggle it back and forth to make it easier to remove.
  4. Disconnect the three connectors on the back of the cluster (push purple retaining clips upwards and pull connector out)
  5. Your cluster is now removed from the vehicle and is ready for disassembly.

(10-20min) Instrument Cluster Disassembly:

  1. Start by removing the two screws on the rear of the cluster using a T10 screwdriver.
  2. Use a Flathead screwdriver to pry tabs upwards to separate cluster (4 on top, 1 on each side, 2 on bottom).
  3. Separate and remove the clear plastic side to expose the internals of the cluster.
  4. Using a pencil, mark the position of the temperature and battery needles on the cluster so that you can install them correctly after the repair.
  5. Separate the back housing from the internal board.
  6. Rotate needles counterclockwise and remove them from cluster.
  7. Remove plastic covers from speedometer and tachometer.
  8. Release the metal brackets using a pliers for the small displays (located on back) and carefully remove the white plastic.
  9. Squeeze the clip on the bottom of the right button to release it.
  10. Release the main bracket on the cluster display using a pliers (4 metal tabs on back of board).

(10-20min) Display Replacement:

  1. Apply some flux to the solder on flex cable that connects the display to the board.
  2. Use a hot air station (or soldering iron) to melt the solder while pulling upwards on the display.
  3. Go back and use a soldering iron to clean the contacts and apply fresh solder to pins on both the board and replacement cluster display.
  4. Remove the protective film on back of replacement cluster display.
  5. Align the contacts and secure the display.
  6. Solder replacement display to cluster board.
  7. Use contact cleaner to remove residuals from the flux.
  8. Temporarily connect instrument panel in vehicle to ensure it is working properly before reassembly.

(10-15min) Instrument Cluster Reassembly:

  1. Install metal retaining cover over replacement display.
  2. Install white plastic on board, it should clip into place.
  3. Install metal retaining covers on both small displays.
  4. Install plastic overlays for the speedometer and tachometer.
  5. Install and align the needles for both the battery and oil temperature gauges using the marks you made before disassembly (always turn counterclockwise).
  6. Install needles for the 4 main gauges, align them with the minimum value on each gauge (for the fuel gauge, align with the small mark to the left of the “E” mark).
  7. It may be a good idea to connect the cluster to your vehicle once more to ensure everything is working before proceeding to the final steps.
  8. Spray off any dust/debris using an air duster (this will prevent anything from being trapped behind the instrument cluster plastic).
  9. Connect the front and rear housings, they should snap into place without issues.
  10. Install the two T10 screws on the back of the cluster.
  11. Finally, install your assembled cluster into your dashboard using the two torx screws on the bottom and reinstall the trim above the steering column.

That’s all there is to it! In less than an hour, you now have a fully functional cluster display in your B5 Audi!

 

#AudiB5 #AudiRepairs #AudiDIY #AudiClusterReplacement #ClusterDisplayReplacement

Although the items we select aren't sponsored in any way, we earn commission on all amazon purchases made using our links.

Back to blog