and do I have to do anything special to remove my instrument cluster?

 

A set of torx bits and some patience is all that's required.

Remove your lower dash (torx bolts next to the fuse panel) unhook your OBD port and headlight switch get the dash out of the way unscrew the cluster (2 screws) undo the harnesses on the back of it (flip the little levers) and bingo.

 

may want to disconnect the battery first.

not sure how the car reacts to a cluster being removed if the car is equipped with the immobilizer, but I'm sure you're safer if the power is removed during the procedure. Non-immobilized cars couldn't care less. I love my car.

well, i hate my car, but I love that aspect of my car.

oh yeah, and you'll have more room to work the cluster out of the dash if you extend the steering wheel all the way out.

 

Step by step pix at the link. Start at photo #5.

http://public.fotki.com/mcphill/audi.../dscn2177.html

When you get to #22, the cluster will be ready to come out:

 

So i dont need to worry about codes or anything funky like that?

 

As long as you're putting the same cluster back in, you should be fine. I had to swap clusters back and forth a few years ago, and I ended up throwing an airbag light.

Even if you do throw a code, just disconnect the battery for a few minutes, and it should clear itself.

 

hope you have the radio code if you disconnect your battery.

 

I have disconnected the battery before and the radio worked just fine after putting the new one in. are you trying to put a cluster with lesser miles on it? LOL

 

I have a 2000 TT 180 Quattro.
I'd like to swap out the instrument cluster myself.

When buying the replacement, how do I know which one to buy, and where to buy?

Any other suggestions? Thanks.

 

A 2000 doesnt have an immo. you have to worry about. Any cluster will work, only thing is a immo light will be visible on the cluster.

I do have a cluster i bought but i did not end up needing. Let me know if you need it.