Engine temp.instrument dead, repair ?

[ToJ]

I have got a A2 petrol -02. The engine temp.indicator infront of the driver has dropped dead. It has been verified by an authorized Audi workshop it is the actual instrument that has broken down. Their reply is that it has to be replaced by a brand new one.
The reason for using a brand new one is the problem with theftprotection and to get the milage back etc. It can only be done once per instrument.
Furthermore, I contacted a local instrument repairshop specialized in automotive´s. They said they could do nothing due to its complexitiy and lack of wiring diagram etc.
Is there anyone out there knowing about a cheaper repair but buying a new instrument ? Any workshop specialized in Audi instruments ?
I am located in Sweden, but can ship anywhere needed.

All the best,
Thomas Johansson

[mr.partjones]

Were you able to fix it?

[ToJ]

Hi There,

No, after a long search nothing. Maybe a luck in a way, because I found out it was not the instrument after all. I had to replace the entire thermostat housing with all its connectors being attached to the left end of the cylinderhead.
Some part inside there is broken and missing why the thermostat cannot work properly. This causes a too cold engine why the instrument does not show any reaction. Remember the instrument starts at 60 degrees C, anything below is not detected.
Now everything is back to normal, though the thermostat housing was not cheap.... Even replacing it was kind of tricky. It is being connected to a major pipe that goes along the backside of the engine, all the way to the waterpump being placed on the cambeltside. The two parts where locked to eachother with a clamp looking like a horseshoe. Well visible, tricky but possible to reach from underneith the car, impossible from above or the side under the hood.

All the best !

Thomas Johansson