Campaign dash lighting

Due to a lack of tunes to keep me amused on the long drive back from the resto show tonight I couldn't help reflecting on the state (i.e. lack of) dash lighting on my Mk1  :?

Grnted some of the switch bulbs need replacing, but can anyone tell me is the MFA display supposed to be backlit? I really couldn't read it at all in the dark. Just curious to know if the LCD panel should be backlit or if one of my instrument bulbs has gone that would otherwise make this visible at night.

I also found out that the hazard warning switch I have is not original, if anyone has one that would have been an original fit for a Campaign I'd appreciate knowing about it.

Cheers,

Chris

The MFA is backlight, it has it's own dedicated light on the dashboard. I lost one on my previous GTI once. They are tricky little bulbs too!

Cheers,

Drew.

Thanks Drew - sound like I need to invest in a few replacement bulbs to return things to their former glory  :wink:

Hi Chris

I may have a switch i'll have a look tomorrow, u can get 2 watt replacement bulbs for the instrument panel part no. 431 919 040 A, They have a white base

Cheers

Wellsy

Cheers Wellsy, do GSF do an equivalent part or even Halfrauds?

Otherwise I'll have to add it to my parts list for a trip to Rich's "friendly" VW dealer sometime in the next week or so  

Let me know if you turn something up on the hazrad switch and maybe I can get along to one of the local VDub meets you and Dave were mentioning to collect?

Chris - don't forget your local, friendly scrappy!

I was amazed at how many later VW stable cars have same/similar switch gear to the MK1. I got new fog light switch for mine off a polo.

My brother got recently an L-Reg Polo. I was amazed too in that how many parts look very similar to my MK1 - especially trim wise. Even his boot floor mat is made of same material as the MK1. Unfortunately, (fortunate for him coz I'd pinch it! ) I don't think it's big enough to cut and make a new one for mine!

Scrappy visit coming up this week I think   . Although Wellsy was telling me you have to be careful with things like the switches if you want originality.

Evidently some of the later switches used on other cars look virtually identical, but have subtle differences like the little amber light in the switch is on the other side to the original Mk1 ones.

I'm still on the lookout for another DX head to stash away. Only thing I have found though is that most of the VW specific scrappies / dismantlers seem to want crazy money for used parts  :roll:

I have a question on the dash lights.
As i had my car off the road for 3 years when i put it back on i thought the dash lights were very dim.
Ive checked and all the bulbs (except foglight switch) are working but the dash seems very dull lit, it hardly lightens up the display (not very bright on full setting and dark on the lowest) compared to other cars.
Is it just i cannot remember how dull it was before and the display is very dull anyway? or is there an earth thats not got a good contact?

Any thoughts?

Geoff.

Definitely check your earths (especially those around the fuse box) - quite often these are the first thing to corrode if there has been any moisture / leaks around that area.

Also maybe check the dimmer switch itself - can you unplug it an remove it from the circuit, then try a spare from another car - there must be loads around as I think its a common part, most VW scrappys probably have one for well under a quid.

I find my dash quite readable, but it isn't as bright as more modern cars. MAybe its just a "feature" of cars of that era? I didn't realise the MFA display was supposed to be backlit - once I have that sorted I think it will make a big difference.

Cheers,

Chris

Thanks for the reply.
I think i will try changing the dimmer i should have one somewere if not a mates scrapping his old passat that has the same switches ive told him im pinching before its scrapped.

ChrisB said

…. some of the later switches used on other cars look virtually identical, but have subtle differences like the little amber light in the switch is on the other side to the original Mk1 ones

The deal with these is that up to the end of the '82 model year (C - VIN), RHD Golfs and Polos were still being fitted with LHD switches (when the function logo is the right way up, the tell-tale (the amber light) points at the LHD driver).

From '83 model year on (D - VIN) new Golfs (and the others) were fitted with re-designed RHD switches (tell-tale points at RHD driver)

My Gti is the same - rather dim dash lights. The Clipper dash has searchlights in it !!!!
The problem with mine, I think, is that the earth strip on the printed circuit behind the instrument pod appears to have burnt at some time (some previous idiot had put incorrect bulbs in the supplementary guages). Will try to 'fix' it this weekend by soldering a wire in place. If that cures it either get a correct printed circuit from a scrappy, or one from VAG (?60 + the dreaded)

Hey Prowler,

I wonder if that stuff you can get for fixing rear window demisters could be used for fixing PCBs?

Just checked it out and it can…

http://www.partsforsaa…_info.php?products_id=137

I'm sure I saw a cheaper one in Halfords.

Peter

Pete - conductive paint will work in theory. One of the intrument panels I have in the garage is so knackered though that even the plastic has burnt away so there's nothing to paint on to! If just the track has burnt then conductive paint should work.