If the error doesn't come back after you cancel it, I wouldn't worry about it. It's the persistent ones that really indicate something wrong. I don't know if the system is so smart that it can detect a burned out pixel. I kind of doubt it. I know I get the "display defective" message when I unplug the windshield washer fluid level sensor, so I believe it's simply telling you that it will not be able to warn you of low fluids and maybe other things.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL