Cluster problem

[Paul Grainger]

The instrument cluster on my 1996 C4 6-speed has some of the LCD segments failed. I purchased a replacement cluster from a UK specialist porsche parts supplier but things on the new cluster aren't quite right.

The original cluster part number is 996 641 117 00 70C

The replacement cluster part number is 996 641 117 03 70C

The OBC display is dead - but searching through the forum suggests that this may simply need to be enabled at my dealer. I am friendly with my local independant, he has a laptop based PST2 system - would be be able to enable the OBC on the new cluster?

More worryingly, there is a continuous red brake fault light (!) showing on the new cluster when the ignition is on. When i refit my original cluster this light goes out soon after turning the ignition on.

Can anyone advise if the new cluster is not compatible with my car, or what may be causing the brake fault light?

Edited May 2, 2007 by Paul Grainger

[Loren]

I am friendly with my local independant, he has a laptop based PST2 system - would be be able to enable the OBC on the new cluster?

Yes.

You also need him to use his PST2 to transfer the settings from your old cluster to your new (used) cluster.

[Paul Grainger]

Loren

Thanks for your quick reply.

Is the continuously lit brake fault light something that the independant specialist can sort out?

Thanks

Paul G

[Loren]

He should be able to tell (with his PST2) if it is a cluster problem or a brake sensor.

[Paul Grainger]

I suspect the cluster because when my original cluster is refitted, the fault light then operates normally (ie it goes out a few seconds after the ignition is turned on.

Does the part number of the new cluster match up for my car? What is the difference between '00' and '03' before the 70C at the end of the part number?

[Loren]

996.641.117.03.70C is a direct replacement for 996.641.117.00.70C.

Until your new is coded properly I do not know what it will do - remember your old cluster is coded for your car.

[Paul Grainger]

Cured today!

Simple really, specialist with laptop based PST2 system enabled on board computer.

The red fault lamp took a little longer, one coding change (brake fault mapping change from PSM to ABS). This cured the problem ,although somewhat strangely my car is fitted with PSM. We checked the old cluster, this was also coded the same.

I was amazed how few coding options there were. My previous car (Mercedes CLK) had literally hundreds of cluster coding options.

The good new was that it was done for free!

Edited May 5, 2007 by Paul Grainger