Error code 16346 - new dash pod needed

[judith_sw]

Hi,

I have an intermittent problem with the centre part of the dash on my 2005 A3 (05 plate, 2.0TDI Sport). It does not come on every so often. This can be rectified by removing and then replacing the relevant fuse, apparently "re-booting" it. It originally happened only every couple of weeks, but recently it has started to happen more often, sometimes more than once a day. I sprayed a WD40 type warter disperser around electrical contacts and the problem disappeared for 3 o4 days (coinciding with the big freeze), but the fault is back now, so it is difficult to say whether it was improved by the spray or not.

My local specialist has had a look and the error code is: "Dash Pod Fault 16346 Rom Error". It looks as if it will cost about £750 to fix using Audi parts (- more presumably if I go to an Audi dealer). I was told that there are also reconditioned units which would reduce the price by about £200, but these are not as reliable as the new ones.

I trust this specialist and am happy for them to do the repair. However, before I commit to spending so much, could anyone tell me if they know anything about this problem, and if there are any other (cheaper) avenues to explore, or any tageted areas to spray with the water disperser. I prefer to get this fixed properly, but with such an expensive repair, I'm keen to hear from any one who had / had had / is familiar with this sort of problem. I believe this is quite common on TTs, but less so on A3s ... no point asking Audi to sub the repair I would imagine.

Thank you in advance

[Scotty]

What's the down side in asking Audi for some good will ?

Does it have a full Audi service history? That would help.

I was lucky when mine went on my TT. Although mine was personally imported from Germany, Audi UK coughed up for it.

Good luck.

[cruiser647]

Have a look on eBay for replacement instrument binnacles.

[judith_sw]

Thanks Scotty

I suppose it's worth a try, although at 5 1/2 years old, it is quite a long way out of warranty. I have a full service history, but since the car went out of warranty, I have used a local specialist, who I rate highly (all Audi schedules are followed and only Audi bits used).

I tried Audi once before (last year) when the paintwork on one of the pillars started to bubble ... they weren't interested, even though this should have been covered as bodywork, Audi said it was trim and I'd used "the wrong detergent" to clean it (- I've only ever used quality car shampoos ...).

Nevertheless, I wouldn't expect something like this to go. Is is worth contacting Audi HQ direct or going through a dealership?

[Scotty]

All my Audi's have been serviced by my local dealer so I just leave it to them and if needs be then they call Audi UK. I've just got some good will (free satnav maps in March 2011) from Audi UK due to my dealer pushing for it due to my years of custom. If you don't have a total record with them then it seems that Audi UK often turn their back. Still no cost to ask.

Oh and I had the bubbles on my TT roof (the bits that cover the roof rack holes) and although many people were not getting it done, my dealer sorted it out for me.

I'd probsbly try the dealer first. Bear in mind that they will get income from Audi UK for doing the work. If you have no luck then Audi Customer Services.

[kite]

if you hav no luck with the dealer .

try a repair service....BBA reman. ABS, ecu's, throttle bodies, air mass meters, and catalytic converters

[judith_sw]

Cheers guys!

I have contacted my local Audi dealer and also Audi UK ... it's worth a try! I have also started to look into the electronic repair services recommended here and also Cluster Repairs UK - Instrument cluster speedometer repair, correction, modification and spares. ... the Audi replacement is pushing the limits of my budget, so a repair rather than replacement (if successful) is something that I would like to consider. I rely on my car for commuting, but could at a push manage without it for a few days if parts need to be sent away for repair.

Thanks again for the advice. I am in the Chester area if there are any local companies that could do the repair.

Judith

[etkaman]

Before you change your dashpod, I would check the charging rate coming from the Alternator as if it is overcharging it will cause the dash to power out giving symptons of a failure. So you might change the dash and still end up with the same problem. (There is a TPL regarding this on ELSA)

[judith_sw]

Many thanks for that information - I'm going to get the repair done, but the independent doing it has stressed that all other possible causes will be investigated before replacing the dash - I'll get them to add this to the list!