Speedo reading 30% fast (2007 Audi A4)

   #1  

BobFisher

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2007 A4 Avant bought used. The speed shown in the digital information display after a reset is approximately correct, within a few %. I have read the blogs on the adaptation to adjust this but have not yet tried to "get it perfect". The speed shown for each wheel from the ABS module is also correct (about 3% low compared to GPS). However, the speed shown on the analog speedometer is approx 30% high.

I have recently replaced the Canadian kph speedo backing plate with a mph/kph one from a USA unit, which involved having the speedo disconnected for an hour or so, but it was reading fast by the same amount before I did this. The position of the speeds on the two dials are the same.

I found the coding for the instrument module to be curious. Digits 3 & 4 decode to an entry listed as:
3. K-number (Rental cars)
Is that correct or has someone swapped in a different unit? It would not allow me to re-code that. The speedo being so far out smells of a mismatched coding or type or a setting it just doesn't understand. This was not originally purchased as a rental car - I have the original log book and paperwork.

If any other modules are relevant, i can post them. Haven't yet figured how to insert the full log file in the blog with a scroll bar...

VIN: WAUKF78E07A112234 License Plate:
Mileage: 169830km-105527mi Repair Order:

Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8E0-910-517.clb
Part No SW: 8E0 910 517 J HW: 8E0 614 517 BH
Component: ESP8 quattro H06 0140
Revision: 00000000 Serial number: 00000000000000
Coding: 0004528
Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000
VCID: 2E05F3AFFC104F473CA-807A

No fault code found.

Address 17: Instruments Labels: 8E0-920-9xx-8EC.lbl
Part No SW: 8E0 920 901 E HW: 8E0 920 901 E
Component: KOMBI+WFS 4 H14 0120
Revision: 0120 Serial number: 00000000000000
Coding: 0023261
Shop #: WSC 49857 512 00000
VCID: 270B068BD3FA1E0FFFC-5184

1 Fault Found:
01176 - Key
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
 
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Uwe

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I don't see any coding option that would explain what you describe.

What does the vehicle speed in MVB 001.1 of the instrument cluster show?

What happens when you do Output Tests on the instrument cluster? One of the tests in the sequence should do a full sweep of the speedometer, after which it should settle and remain at 100 km/h (62 mph) for a bit.

-Uwe-
 
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BobFisher

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Uwe, it’s not the instrument that is malfunctioning, it’s the user. The backing plates are different and I saw what I wanted to see instead of what was there. The 12 o/clock position is 100 kph on the metric one and approx 100 mph on the dual one. Therefore, unless anyone knows that it is possible to flip a cluster between USA and Canada operation, I think I have to have the local dealer swap the cluster and re-register it. The one I got the backing plate from should be compatible: 2006 USA A4.

There is a setting in the coding for Canada / USA but that just changed the default readout units (same as can be done from the wheel stalk) and did not change the sensitivity of the analog readout.

Pretty sure that the incompatibility is very intentional by VAG to keep the markets separate.
 
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Uwe

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Therefore, unless anyone knows that it is possible to flip a cluster between USA and Canada operation
I do not think this is possible via the ordinary diagnostic APIs that VCDS uses.

I suspect it's possible using methods, possibly by flashing different software into the cluster or by changing some tables in its EEPROM, but I'm not certain.

-Uwe-
 
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Jack@European_Parts

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You could manually move the needle at base setting with using either a car next to you on highway, with cell call & while logging in VCDS or using the sound radar machine like the state police use to track speeds. This works the easiest when no maps are present for adaption.
In some cases a resistor can be used with aid of decade box to interrupt the signal for calibration of speed sensor.
 
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BobFisher

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I found a more straightforward solution. https://www.lockwoodinternational.co.uk/dials/mph/audi.html
have the appropriate custom backing plate to display a kph cluster readout in mph for 60 GBP and they ship worldwide. This will work for me since the backing plates are not difficult to swap. This may help others in the future.
 
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