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[Solved] Audi A4 B6 2001: RB4 Counter Replacement - Hazard Lights Flashing Post-Installation

adamski123 18198 14
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  • #1 16984787
    adamski123
    Level 21  
    Posts: 700
    Help: 46
    Rate: 250
    Board Language: polish
    Hello colleagues. I have a problem with the Audi A4 B6 2001. The customer bought a second counter for a replacement, I replaced the counter, I did "immo off". The car starts, but after a moment the hazard lights come on and flash all the time. Has anyone encountered such a thing? After connecting the VCDS, the meter coding 00000. Regards.
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  • #2 16985305
    jokerro
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2097
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    He met, make it immo and everything will return to normal. In addition, the air conditioning panel does not work.
    There must be a minimum of one key added to the new clock that you use. Make it and then immo off as the need arises and everything will fly.
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  • #3 16985701
    mar.wo
    Level 15  
    Posts: 147
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    At least two because the immo indicator will blink, unless I'm wrong.
  • #4 16985734
    adam7009

    Level 41  
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    adamski123 wrote:
    Has anyone encountered such a thing?

    this type has it, it must be in the original.
    Company Account:
    AUTO-ELELEKTRONIK AB
    Linowiec, Lisewo, 86-230 | Tel.: 697XXXXXX (Show)
  • #5 16987776
    adamski123
    Level 21  
    Posts: 700
    Help: 46
    Rate: 250
    Board Language: polish
    Hello, gentlemen, I do so. Enter 17-Instruments, 11-Login, enter the PIN of new clocks which, then 10-adaptation channel 50 and enter as the new value of the PIN of old clocks, we give save. Turn off the ignition, again 17-Instruments, 11-Login, enter the PIN of existing clocks, that in order to program the keys, channel 21 enters 0 test, and after a moment the error message is wrong
  • #6 16988102
    adam7009

    Level 41  
    Posts: 5609
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    Rate: 1625
    Board Language: polish
    so if you type 0 it's normal that the error is.
    Company Account:
    AUTO-ELELEKTRONIK AB
    Linowiec, Lisewo, 86-230 | Tel.: 697XXXXXX (Show)
  • #7 16988197
    adamski123
    Level 21  
    Posts: 700
    Help: 46
    Rate: 250
    Board Language: polish
    Hello, the clocks take the pin from this new meter, and then taps the pin from the old meter I leave everything I turn the ignition off again I turn the ignition on I go to the meter and I want to log in with the old pin and I can't
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  • #9 16989813
    adamski123
    Level 21  
    Posts: 700
    Help: 46
    Rate: 250
    Board Language: polish
    Hello colleagues, it seems to me that there is something wrong with these clocks in the 50 channel, enter the PIN from the ECU and give the TEST and at the top in the window the inscription System appears and should pull the vin from the ECU I tried vad roof I added the PIN VIN and nothing I tried move security block and eeprom and it gave me nothing missing ideas
  • #10 17112943
    kukiz1986
    Level 27  
    Posts: 1840
    Help: 17
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    Board Language: polish
    I can help with this counter. I will add it to the ECU eeprom with my finger. Sometimes it happens that the adaptation does not work.
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  • #11 17115063
    adamski123
    Level 21  
    Posts: 700
    Help: 46
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    Thanks buddy for the good intentions, but I have already given up the cart, unless there is a similar case, let me know. Regards
  • #12 17342864
    bartlomiej242
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 1
    Board Language: polish
    Hello gentlemen, I have the same problem, namely the guy who does this to me for the pin code to the new meter but can not add the keys to it, I will add that audi is from 2001 and the meter 2003, there is someone from the region of Podkarpacie or even further who would he did?

    Added after 7 [minutes]:

    And I'm replacing the counter because I changed the gearbox for 6 gears and this gearbox does not have a pulser, it only reads speed from ABS, I will add that the original meter has the symbol 900E and this new 900K, the immo from the driver has been downloaded but as above someone wrote emergency flashing and the air conditioning does not it works
  • #13 17343469
    jokerro
    Level 34  
    Posts: 2097
    Help: 207
    Rate: 1141
    Board Language: polish
    it depends on how you add the key (s) after diagnosis and pin or other method.
    After the diagnosis, it happens unwillingly to fly and I do not know why, because I had 2 such cases, it also happened that it did not go after SB because something was mixed up in the clock and it is not strange how someone is the next contractor because nobody will know what is total mixed up.
    If poverty presses you, bring this car and I'll do it, I'm from Podkarpacie.
  • #14 17343511
    bartlomiej242
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 1
    Board Language: polish
    I honestly don't remember what this action is called but the guest hooked up the computer, entered the meter pin code, then the key stopped flashing and the meter saw three keys and tried to code those that are at the car but did not find these keys or something. I bought this car from the first owner from Germany, but the meter from another car also from Germany, I personally turned it off from scrap metal. Best if I chose you Jokerro right away, I will be in Poland on the 03.08 -06.08 weekend because now I am in Germany, how to get to you or an address?
  • #15 17570341
    adamski123
    Level 21  
    Posts: 700
    Help: 46
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    Board Language: polish
    I close the topic I was unable to solve the topic.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around an issue with a 2001 Audi A4 B6 after replacing the instrument cluster (counter) with a second-hand unit. The user reports that the car starts but the hazard lights flash continuously post-installation. Various responses suggest that the problem may be related to the immobilizer (immo) system, indicating that at least one key must be programmed to the new cluster for proper functionality. Users recommend using VCDS for coding and adaptation, specifically entering the correct PINs for both the new and old clusters. There are mentions of potential issues with the adaptation process and the need to ensure the correct communication with the ECU. Some users also share their experiences with similar problems and offer assistance for further troubleshooting.
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FAQ

TL;DR: One documented case shows coding "00000" after an RB4 swap; "hazard lights come on and flash all the time." Root cause is immobilizer and coding, not wiring. [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16984787]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Audi A4 B6 owners and techs quickly stop post-swap hazard flashing and restore normal cluster/AC behavior.

Quick Facts

Why do my hazard lights flash after installing an RB4 cluster in an A4 B6?

The cluster was installed with immobilizer disabled and no proper adaptation. The car starts, but the cluster reports coding 00000 and triggers hazards. Restore immobilizer, adapt the cluster to ECU, and recode the instruments. This behavior was observed immediately after startup in the reported case. “The car starts, but after a moment the hazard lights come on and flash all the time.” [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16984787]

How do I stop the flashing without replacing wiring or modules?

Re-enable the immobilizer, adapt the replacement RB4 to the ECU, then code the cluster. Add keys to the new cluster before considering immo-off again. Experienced users report normal operation after proper immo adaptation and key learning. As one put it: “make it immo and everything will return to normal.” [Elektroda, jokerro, post #16985305]

What is “immo off” and why is it risky here?

“Immo off” disables the immobilizer in the ECU or cluster. In RB4 swaps, running immo off can cause hazards to flash and other modules to misbehave. Restoring immobilizer and adapting the cluster usually resolves these issues. This aligns with practitioner advice to enable immobilizer and code correctly after swaps. [Elektroda, jokerro, post #16985305]

How many keys must I adapt to the replacement RB4 cluster?

Adapt at least one key to the new cluster so the car authorizes properly. Some techs recommend adapting two keys to keep the immobilizer indicator from blinking during the process. If the LED blinks, complete adaptation with the required key count. [Elektroda, mar.wo, post #16985701]

What tool and channels are used for RB4 adaptation (A4 B6)?

Use VCDS to access 17-Instruments. Login with the new cluster’s PIN, then go to Adaptation, channel 50, to match ECU/cluster. After that, log in and use channel 21 for key learning. Follow the prompts carefully to avoid security lockouts during steps. [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16987776]

Can you give me a 3-step how-to for channel 50 adaptation and key learning?

  1. 17-Instruments → 11-Login with new cluster PIN; 10-Adaptation → channel 50 → enter old cluster/ECU PIN → Save.
  2. Cycle ignition OFF/ON; re-login with the adapted PIN.
  3. Adapt keys: channel 21 → set number of keys needed (do not enter 0) → Test/Save and present keys. [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16987776]

I typed 0 keys in channel 21 and got an error—why?

Entering 0 requests zero keys, which the system rejects. The controller responds with an error, and key programming will not proceed. Set the exact number of keys you intend to adapt and follow Test/Save correctly. Avoid repeated failed attempts to prevent timeouts. [Elektroda, adam7009, post #16988102]

After channel 50, I can’t log in with the old PIN—what now?

If login fails after adaptation, the pairing may not have completed or the cluster security block is inconsistent. Some technicians solve this by synchronizing ECU and cluster data directly in EEPROM. “Sometimes it happens that the adaptation does not work.” [Elektroda, kukiz1986, post #17112943]

My AC panel stopped working after the swap—related to immobilizer/coding?

Yes. Users report the AC panel not working when the cluster is swapped with immobilizer disabled or coding mismatched. Completing immobilizer adaptation and correct instrument coding restores normal HVAC communication over the cluster gateway. Re-enable immobilizer and finish coding first. [Elektroda, jokerro, post #16985305]

Does cross-year cluster swapping (e.g., 2001 car with 2003 RB4 8E0 920 900K) cause issues?

It can. One user swapped a 2003 RB4 (900K) into a 2001 A4 and saw hazard flashing and AC inoperative with immo off. Proper adaptation and coding are required when mixing years and part suffixes (E vs K). [Elektroda, bartlomiej242, post #17342864]

VCDS shows three keys in memory but won’t code mine—what does that mean?

The cluster can show existing keys from its donor vehicle. If it sees three keys yet won’t accept yours, the car and cluster aren’t matched. Perform channel 50 adaptation, then clear and relearn the correct number of keys for your vehicle. [Elektroda, bartlomiej242, post #17343511]

What does cluster coding 00000 indicate after the swap?

Coding 00000 means the instruments lack proper feature coding for the vehicle configuration. You must code the cluster to the car’s options after immobilizer adaptation. Leaving 00000 can coincide with the hazard flashing behavior after start. [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16984787]

Channel 50 won’t pull VIN from the ECU—what’s my next step?

If channel 50 doesn’t show system/VIN pull, the cluster’s security block or EEPROM may be inconsistent. Technicians fix this by moving the security block or pairing in EEPROM directly, then reattempting adaptation. This approach helped when standard steps failed. [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16989813]

Is there a regional expert who can perform this adaptation if diagnostics fail?

A contributor from Podkarpacie offered on-vehicle service after diagnostic attempts failed, noting mixed-up clocks can block both OBD and service mode procedures. Consider expert help when cars have multiple prior interventions. [Elektroda, jokerro, post #17343469]

What is VCDS in this context?

VCDS is diagnostic software used to access control modules like 17-Instruments and perform Login and Adaptation. In this thread, it’s used for channel 50 immobilizer matching and channel 21 key learning. Follow on-screen prompts to prevent lockouts. [Elektroda, adamski123, post #16987776]

Bottom line: will this always work via diagnostics?

No. One expert said adaptation “does not work” sometimes. In those cases, pairing the cluster to the ECU by editing EEPROM data resolves the mismatch. After that, keys can be learned and hazards stop. [Elektroda, kukiz1986, post #17112943]
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