GLI cluster and my jetta

[scottd1975]

Guys will a GLI cluster fit into my stock 99.5 2.0??? Also if so are there any wiring mods i have to do?

[Greenwing]

A cluster swap is a PITA. It is encoded to the ecu. You will need your SKC (Secret Key Code) and the SKC for the new cluster to be able to do the swap. Creanium has a nice horror story on this one.

[creanium]

Alright Scott, :) you're about to learn probably more than you ever wanted to know about MkIV VW instrument clusters (without going into my horror stories) ...

I'll tell you, the easiest part of the setup is physically installing the cluster. If you don't already have an MFD-equipped (Multi-Function Display) cluster (with the red text readout), you'll have to hook up some things yourself. You'll have to buy and hook up the outside air temp sensor, and wire that to your cluster. Then you'll have to buy a new wiper control stalk to replace the old one and wire up the new one to your cluster. You have to replace the wiper stalk because the new one will have buttons on the side of it that you use to control the different displays on the MFD.

So, the easy part's done. Now, programming it for your car is a totally different issue ...

The cluster in a MkIV is a lot more complex than just a gauge display. It's part of the Immobilizer system and as such it is what reads the chip in your key to verify it's the right key before starting; it also must be adapted and matched to your ECU once it's installed. And, it's also the gateway (or router) that allows the modules inside your car to talk to each other.

It's a very complex procedure and one you will not be able to do without taking your car into the dealer. There is no real easy way now to avoid having the dealer install it for you because they will not give you your SKC. The SKC is used to login to your cluster to do 3 major functions when first installing your cluster: adapt it to your ECU, program your keys to work with the cluster, and program your mileage in the odometer to match what the old cluster said. You CANNOT do any of those required functions without the SKC. And, beginning in January 2005, dealerships are unable to even retrieve your SKC so there is no easy way to get it if you don't have it already. So take it into the dealer and they can install it and adapt it for you.

So, assuming you buy a brand new GLI cluster, here's what you'll have to do to get it to work in your car:


Get the cluster
Get all the new parts you need
Wire everything up
Install the new cluster
Hook up a VAG-COM
Using your SKC, log in to your cluster
Adapt the cluster to your ECU
Program each of your keys to work with the new cluster
Program your mileage
You're done

[xlloydx]

damn i didnt think it was going to be that hard.

[Carlos]

99.5 had no immob. he will have to hook up the mfi and temp sender. other warning lights may also stay on, epc for dbw, immob light will flash and so on.