Hi all, my tachometer needle isn't working. It doesn't even move, i can rotate the needle (with cover off) while the engine is running and feel no resistance from the servo. Everything else works, gauges, warning lights etc. There is a tach signal from engine because i can read it with an OBD-II Bluetooth app. I'm pretty sure the servo is dead, tried disconnecting and reconnecting the cluster it still doesn't work. I was wondering if a servo replacement is easier than changing the whole cluster since I'm not sure about the immobilizer and also how to keep the mileage of the car. I don't know how to reprogram it. Is it plug and play, or is it more technical and would require me to go to a mechanic?

A replacement speedo unit isn't a plug n play, you need to read the PIN code of the original unit and the replacement unit, then with VCDS you can re-code the replacement to your immobiliser code, the distance readout can be adjusted with VCDS but only as an increase in distance not to reduce it, so the replacement would need to be at a lower distance than your original 

 

You can buy replacement stepper motor units to replace your faulty one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stepper-Motor-Tachometer-Speedometer-for-Audi-BMW-Mercedes-Seat-Skoda/132996596307?fits=Car+Make%3ASkoda|Model%3AOctavia+I|Cars+Year%3A2003&hash=item1ef7370253:g:l1MAAOSwjfhckfH9   

22 minutes ago, nige8021 said:

A replacement speedo unit isn't a plug n play, you need to read the PIN code of the original unit and the replacement unit, then with VCDS you can re-code the replacement to your immobiliser code, the distance readout can be adjusted with VCDS but only as an increase in distance not to reduce it, so the replacement would need to be at a lower distance than your original 

 

You can buy replacement stepper motor units to replace your faulty one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stepper-Motor-Tachometer-Speedometer-for-Audi-BMW-Mercedes-Seat-Skoda/132996596307?fits=Car+Make%3ASkoda|Model%3AOctavia+I|Cars+Year%3A2003&hash=item1ef7370253:g:l1MAAOSwjfhckfH9   

Okay so I will definitely look into the stepper replacement. Are all the motors the same? for Tachometer, Speedo, fuel and temp guage? Or do I specifically need the stepper motor for tachometer?

That eBay seller also has the speedo stepper motor and that ia listed as different part number, however I've just looked at my spare speedo unit and all 4 stepper motors have the same part number stamped on them  91-255-008-mag-4 and there are only 4 soldered connections to de-solder to remove the stepper motor

6 minutes ago, nige8021 said:

That eBay seller also has the speedo stepper motor and that ia listed as different part number, however I've just looked at my spare speedo unit and all 4 stepper motors have the same part number stamped on them  91-255-008-mag-4 and there are only 4 soldered connections to de-solder to remove the stepper motor

Ok thanks for the exact serial number on part, because i managed to find much cheaper ones on aliexpress (like 5€). The ebay listing is more expensive than a used instrument cluster.