Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big deal?
 

Hi guys, first post here. I've had a '97 A6 for a couple years and I've come across a 2002 A4 with 135k on it for a really good price. The only problem is that it has a problem in the big LED display, and I'm worried it's indicative of bigger electrical problems. I have a picture of the issue:

https://www.audiforum.ca/attachment....ine=1332114148

I'm not even that worried about fixing it, I just don't know what caused the issue and I would like to know if this will give me bigger headaches down the road.

Thanks!

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

From what I have read pixel issues are common, my 2000 A4 will sometimes be fine then other times not so much. I hope others will chime in but I would be more concerned with major Maintenance timing belt etc.. gl with the purchase..

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

its just a bad lcd in the cluster, there is a diy on how to change it around somewhere, if the cars a good price and has some indication of maintenances being performed then go for it

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

Yea that's what I was trying to tell my father in law, who's helping me with this. I'm pretty sure it's not related to the rest of the electrical system.

The car is being sold at a dealer auction, which I'm lucky to have access to. Unfortunately there won't be any maintenance records for it because it was most likely a trade-in or leaseback.

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

if you can get it for a good enough price and can tackle diy jobs purchase all the common maintenance items buy it and do it all yourself

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

I might be able to get it for under $5000, we'll see how the auction goes. Average sale price for these at auction is about $4800 but they usually have higher mileage than this one.

And you're right about doing some of the maintenance myself, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty with some things. The timing belt should probably have been done about 15k ago so who knows if it's been done. I think I'm going to drive up to Edmonton and take a look at it tomorrow (I'm in Calgary).

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

ive had the same issue on my 2001 2.8 i just solf last week it does not effect anything but the screen view u could berly see my screen but the car drove fantastic .

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

I agree. as long as you can still run the onboard diagnostics on the DIF(lcd), and there arent any major problems, maintenance done, then go for it. i can confirm that there is a diy around to replace the lcd, and it didnt look THAT difficult when i skimmed through it. theres also a guy in toronto that you could contact for the parts or send your unit in for repair. just check toronto kijiji.

Let us know how it goes, gluck!

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

Just incase your not sure what the diagnostics is, just press the check button on the right of the cluster when the car is still.

Re: Might buy an '02 A4. Broken instrument panel, is it a big dea
 

Thanks for all the helpful advice! Unfortunatley though, after I called around and got some more info on the car it has had lots of engine problems and needed it's 120k major maintainance done. I decided not to buy, but I'm still on the lookout for an A4!