Instrument Cluster Programming???

[i-m-broke]

So the cluster in my 99 beetle is out and now I'm looking for a new one. I found a place where I can get it brand new for cheap but the problem is, they can't program it. I was told to take my car to the nearest VW Dealer to get this done. Well, here's my problem. For me to get to the nearest VW Dealer will probably cost me close to $10,000. And that's for me to get my beetle shipped there and back. I live in American Samoa where there are no VW Dealers. Just called VWs customer care and that was their only answer (Take it to the nearest dealer). Now I'm left with two choices to make. Either live with no cluster readings or sell the beetle which is something I don't wanna do. I love the car and all but its frustrating not knowing how much gas I have left or how fast I'm going. I have to fill up every two days just in case I run outta gas and that's just a pain in the butt.

If there's anyone that knows a way to solve this or someone that could help, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post it.

thank you!!

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by i-m-broke

So the cluster in my 99 beetle is out and now I'm looking for a new one. I found a place where I can get it brand new for cheap but the problem is, they can't program it. I was told to take my car to the nearest VW Dealer to get this done. Well, here's my problem. For me to get to the nearest VW Dealer will probably cost me close to $10,000. And that's for me to get my beetle shipped there and back. I live in American Samoa where there are no VW Dealers. Just called VWs customer care and that was their only answer (Take it to the nearest dealer). Now I'm left with two choices to make. Either live with no cluster readings or sell the beetle which is something I don't wanna do. I love the car and all but its frustrating not knowing how much gas I have left or how fast I'm going. I have to fill up every two days just in case I run outta gas and that's just a pain in the butt.

If there's anyone that knows a way to solve this or someone that could help, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post it.

thank you!!

I'm a little confused.... Why would they have to program it if you buy a new one? I've never heard of anyone replacing theirs before so this thing is all new to me

[Smileybug]

More probably referring to the immobilizer I would imagine. Not sure about the NBs in Samoa, but I know in the ones here in the states, there is no immobilizers in the '99s.

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

More probably referring to the immobilizer I would imagine. Not sure about the NBs in Samoa, but I know in the ones here in the states, there is no immobilizers in the '99s.

I didn't think so either.


Oh, ECS has them on sale for $46

[i-m-broke]

Originally Posted by Fl_bug

I didn't think so either.


Oh, ECS has them on sale for $46

That's where I'm getting it from. ECStuning.com.

But they told me it has to be programmed for it to work.

[i-m-broke]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

More probably referring to the immobilizer I would imagine. Not sure about the NBs in Samoa, but I know in the ones here in the states, there is no immobilizers in the '99s.

The beetle wasn't originally bought here. A couple from California brought it down with them and I bought it from them before they left the island. So if there's no immobilizer in the 99 beetles, I would love to order it already and not worry about installing it and the car wont start from what I've read on the net so far.

[Smileybug]

It should be fine. The immobilizer would keep the car from starting, but I know '99s dont' have them (I have a '99 myself). It certainly simplifies things.

[i-m-broke]

Originally Posted by Fl_bug

I'm a little confused.... Why would they have to program it if you buy a new one? I've never heard of anyone replacing theirs before so this thing is all new to me

That's a good question. Me and you are both in the same boat with this. I wish I could just buy it and stick it in.

[i-m-broke]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

It should be fine. The immobilizer would keep the car from starting, but I know '99s dont' have them (I have a '99 myself). It certainly simplifies things.

I will contact ECStuning to confirm that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hopefully that's the case. As long as I can see what's left in my gas tank and the speed I'm going, I'll be good.

Thanks for the reply, but let me confirm it with ECS.

[marvins_dad]

I had a cluster blow in my 2002 - they said it needed to be "flashed" so it would show the correct mileage, but I wasn't concerned about the trip or the cost of flashing since it was just up the road.

Another option would be getting a Scangauge 2 - I know it has MPH and I just searched the manual and it does talk about "fuel remaining" - do a search of this pdf at this link:
http://www.scangauge.com/support/pdfs/SGMan5_1.pdf

That would be a ghetto way around it, but it might require calibrating the tank by going almost empty...and if you can't tell now - not sure how you will do that without carrying around a gallon of fuel for whenever you run out.

I'll have to check with my Bentley manual and see if there is anything about programming the cluster.

[i-m-broke]

Originally Posted by marvins_dad

I had a cluster blow in my 2002 - they said it needed to be "flashed" so it would show the correct mileage, but I wasn't concerned about the trip or the cost of flashing since it was just up the road.

Another option would be getting a Scangauge 2 - I know it has MPH and I just searched the manual and it does talk about "fuel remaining" - do a search of this pdf at this link:
http://www.scangauge.com/support/pdfs/SGMan5_1.pdf

That would be a ghetto way around it, but it might require calibrating the tank by going almost empty...and if you can't tell now - not sure how you will do that without carrying around a gallon of fuel for whenever you run out.

I'll have to check with my Bentley manual and see if there is anything about programming the cluster.

Thanks for the post. Scangauge will get me confused! I think I'll stick with the OEM cluster. My concern is why they need to program the new cluster to work with my car. Is it to match the old mileage or do they need to program it so the gauges would work??? If it's the mileage, I could care less. It's not like I'm planning to sell it. This is my toy car. I'd like to keep it for as long as they make parts for it. I just need the speedometer, tach, and gas to work.

[Basher]

With a vag-com (Ross-Tech: Home) you should be able to work this out.

For vehicles without an immobilizer:
Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: Cluster Swapping in Vehicles Without Immobilizer

If your car has an immobilizer it gets a bit more difficult, especially if you want to use a used one. In that case you need the used clusters SKC, secret key code. I doubt you would get that from a salvage yard...

More info about swapping cluster on a car with immo:
Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: Immobilizer Info

[i-m-broke]

Originally Posted by Basher

With a vag-com (Ross-Tech: Home) you should be able to work this out.

For vehicles without an immobilizer:
Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: Cluster Swapping in Vehicles Without Immobilizer

If your car has an immobilizer it gets a bit more difficult, especially if you want to use a used one. In that case you need the used clusters SKC, secret key code. I doubt you would get that from a salvage yard...

More info about swapping cluster on a car with immo:
Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: Immobilizer Info

Thanks for the information. How do I check to make sure I have an immobilizer or not? I'm hoping I don't but is there a way to confirm it???

[marvins_dad]

Bentley really didn't come up with anything but the tech's procedures to reset the odometer. It did have a service bulletin on Anti-Theft Immobilizer for 2000's, but that really doesn't directly confirm that 1999 doesn't have an immobilizer.
But the immobilizer also would include matching the existing keys.

I thought about it and my Scangauge would work for your needs if you can't get the OEM to work properly because of lack of VW service folks.
You do set up the gas tank size on initial setup and when you fill up you tell it that the tank is full, then you could use the x-gauge portion to set up the "how much gas is left" or "how many miles left in tank" (assuming you have calibrated the gauge). But it's standard presets show Tach and MPH.
Q's about my new ScanGauge II

I would check out that Ross Tech link, but that would cost a bit as well - but being as remote as you are, it might be wise to invest in one. Hate to say it, but the scangauge is supposed to be able to pull codes and clear them as well. Just not the tuning that the VAG Com can do.

[Smileybug]

My '99 doesn't have one. I'm pretty sure immobilizers didn't start until 2000.

[marvins_dad]

Sorry - I emailed a VW Tech friend and the message got stuck in my spam folder, so I just now read his response.

Key on ignition off if this light comes on at all there is immobilizer. I don't think the 99's got it.

He is referring to the attached photo (of a Jetta, he no longer owns a new beetle)

[Basher]

I think I have that light on my 1999 New Beetle. It's a car but the botom part, from the rear wheel and forward, is like a key, right? My car is built in may 99...

[Smileybug]

I think this applies for cars in the US at least. I know mine doesn't have one.

[cutebugy]

Well this might help. Had the same issue. Sent my cluster to BBA reman. ABS, ecu's, throttle bodies, air mass meters, and catalytic converters and for $80 they rebuilt my cluster and I didn't have to buy a new one and since it was my old cluster I didn't have to have it reprogrammed. It took 4 days for them to rebuild it. If you still have your old cluster I would do this and then take the other cluster back.

[marvins_dad]

That's good to know!