Hi all.
Thanks for the replies.It seems i "misunderstood" the repairer as the damaged unit has been returned un-repaired and only a fee for testing has been applied.He informed me that the damage could only be caused by a spike e.g. jump start or by faulty diagnostic equipment being used (possibly mileage correction!)
The customer turned up with a used cluster and no information from the donor vehicle so i told him it was useless and he needed to buy a new unit and i will get it coded by the local locksmith (who has contacted Audi to confirm that he can do it)
I now await his return with the new unit when he returns from Pakistan.
My gut feeling is telling me to send the customer to the dealer as he assures me that he has not done any of the things mentioned above and I'm concerned that the new cluster will fry upon powering up.I will keep you posted
Allan