Mk1 - MFA Not workin' - Help Needed!!!!!!

Hi,

Basically my MFA computer doesn't work, ive got the clock displayed but i am unable to select any other function via the indicator stalk e.g. Temp, Trip, MPG, etc.    :cry:  :cry:

I know this a common problem so im guessing alot of you Mk1 owners have experienced this. Im guessing it could be rotten electrics behind the dash or the indicator stalk internals are sh*gged???

So how can i get the MFA working again??? as i wanna show off to my mates by telling them the current outside temperature    8)  8)

Cheers
Matt

Another Golf with MFA problems? Hardly a surprise  

You'll probably need to get behind the dash whatever's wrong with it - so start by removing the dash surround/switches etc.

Ross (see post "Mfa Switch") had this prob;

A brown and white wire had been pulled out of the connector that the mfa stalk wiring connects to. The brown and white wire is the one that does the Mode button.

I extended the length of the wire as its really too short and becomes pulled too tight before the other wires to the connector. I did a neat job soldering the wire together, used shrink wrap and soldered the wire to the pin in the connector. I took the pin out of the connector to do this.


There's a stack of other posts on MFA problems but basically get the mode button connected - and you'll have a better idea of what works and what doesn't.

Out of interest - does the upshift light and econometer work? the econometer (needle) should only appear when you shift into fifth gear. It's activated by a switch on the gearbox.

If it does - you know that the vacuum pipe attached to the back of the clocks is ok.


Ali Cabrio

Ive checked through all the MFA related threads and will check what seems to be the problem areas:

- Brown/White earth wire to the rocker cover.
- Connection plug (above gearbox)

I know for a fact the earth strap that connects from the rocker cover to the coil is hanging off - so will connect that back up.

I understand that one end of the brown/white mfa wire earths to the rocker cover but where does the other end connect too? (does it plug into the indicator stalk?) and how can i get to it?

Ive got a '92 Rivage cab and i was never aware i had an upshift light or an econometer (are they on this model), if they are then im pretty sure they dont work, how can i get this fixed?

Cheers
Matt

Hmmm - I have to say I don't know whether your car would have an econometer as original equipment or not.

Does the centre of your dash console look like this;

http://www.vintagewatercooleds.com/tech/Techtips/ATStechnotes/clusterlights/pics/p1240057.jpg

Or are there graduations across the back of the rectangular window above the tell-tale lights?

ooh children, who's behind the square window?

If there are graduations - you probably have an econometer - and you just can't see the needle. When it works, the needle will reappear, as if by magic. the upshift light is the yellow LED in the middle of the white arrow outline.

Weren't Rivage's a top spec golf from 91-92? if so, it should have the full monty MFA with econometer and upshift light.

I don't think that either the econometer or the upshift light will work if the grounds aren't connected to the cylinder head.

If you connect these back up - and nothing happens - then you will definitely have to start pulling the dash apart, checking fuses, making sure that sensors are installed, connected and working, and then shortly after you will begin to lose your presence of mind, just like the rest of us….gibber!

good luck


Ali Cabrio

Your problem sounds like the same one I had. If everything else on the dash is fine apart from the MFA not changing at the touch of the button then I'd say its likely.

I never traced back the brown/white wire from the rocker cover but looked at the Haynes wiring diagrams. The rocker brown/white wire connects to the mfa switch wiring and also to the dash clocks.

I took my dash apart to find the connector which isn't very hard, you just need to be careful not to snap any plastic clips off the dash surround and make sure the headlight switch or hazzard switch dont pull apart when you pull the connectors off the back of them. Also make sure you don't scratch the transparent face of the clocks on the metal part of the dash when you tilt it forwards to disconnect the connectors.
BUT you might be able to get to the connector that the wires from the stalk connect to without daking the dash apart!…

You might be able to get to it from under the dash but lying on your back with pedals in your face isn't the nicest place to be!

From the factory there is a cable tie that secures the wiring from the MFA switch to the steering column.  If you snip the cable tie then there you might be able to get enough slack to pull the connector down to check it out.

The connector your looking for is a 4 pin one, the 4 pins are in a row. It looks very similar to a power cable to a CDROM drive or hard disk!

Your dash shouldn't have a change up light or MPG needle. Only very early Cabs and hatchback GTI's with MFA had them.

Good luck and let us know what you find!

Cheers,

Ross

AliCabrio - my dash is different to the picture as i dont have the arrow dial piece. I dont think i have the upshift and econometer.

Really appreciate all your help Ali/Ross, gonna check out all possibilities this weekend. Cheers Matt