Thanks, Klaus. That site has a lot of good info and it's one I hadn't seen. Especially showing a part # that is NOT trouble prone could be helpful. I think my unit has a number starting with 9 though. Since it's still out of the car I'll check that when I get home. But my symptoms don't fit the stereotypical ABS module failure and I think I've about eliminated that as my issue.

I think my analysis is going to come down to testing my coolant temp sender. btw, for anyone reading this, it's in the cover of the thermostat which is under the plastic cover for the timing belt on the passenger side (North America) of the engine. I had a little trouble finding that info.

If my temp sender is good, then I think all that's left is my ECU to blame. The ABS module is out of the car with no improvement. the DIM in the dash causes display issues, but not running issues from what I've read. So if my temp sensor is good, then I think my gauge showing always cold, my lack of clock and odometer and all my running issues are due to an issue with the ECU.

I'm willing to pay a shop with VADIS (not the dealer though) to try to confirm that and also answer the question as to whether codes can be stored there, forcing limp mode and which are NOT cleared by depowering the ECU and so must be reset via VADIS before you can run properly again even if the original issue is gone. I doubt it though since I haven't seen any reference to that situation on the web. If anyone knows for sure whether or not depowering, or driving a significant distance without remaining real issues will clear limp mode, I'd appreciate hearing that.