Clock Issues - Help Needed Please!

Hi I am having some issues with my clocks in my mk1 caddy. The wiring loom, engine and clocks have all been taken from the mk1 golf gti 1983 so, in part, work.The illumination lights was the first issue and after investigation the lighting circuit was burnt out on the circuit board. Had it repaired by an electronics engineer and had all the continuities tested between the circuit and the end of the ribbon. Had an auto electrician look at the caddy, all grounds and lives seem to be strong.So my problem - the illumination is strong whilst having the ignition switched on, as soon as the car is started no illumination at all. The dimmer switch on the dash is dodgy - altering the dimmer switch seems to either give power or remove it from the clocks. Anybody have any ideas? Illumination is my first problem. Then the temperature light is constantly flashing even though the engine is still cool. 

Had 5 minutes to play around with this today.1) Topped up the coolant and the temp warning light went out (good start)2) Decided to see if I could rectify the dimmer incase it was a bad connection, so took the light switch/dimmer combo apart and cleaned up all the connections and replaced. I know get the following:Through the entire dimmer adjustment I get power to the clocks and no backlights, at only 1 point on the dimmer I get no power to clocks and backlight to the switches (but no dimmer adjustment), heater panel etc but NOT the clocks (as far as I can tell during the day). The no adjustment is due to a broken wire on the dimmer switch which is no issue. Temp light back to flashing again...d'oh!Took the light switch and got the multimeter out. on the rear of the light switch, the top connection (blue and grey, think it was 59b) is the output that changes. Either 1.3v when the clocks are working or 13v when the lights are working. Placing my multimeter on the adjustable arm within the dimmer switch causes the second scenario - lights on, no clocks. I tried jumping the coolant plug on the header tank which made no difference at all - I thought it would just be as simple as topping up! Will have to search out the relay and also perhaps take the sender out.So...I am no closer to determining what the issue is. Does anybody have any ideas!?

poor connection on the clock multi plug. Take clocks out clean the contacts on the blue foil, then wrap a couple of turns around the nib it fits over, this ensures a tighter fit and better connection between them.

Also if the headlight switch is kaput just get a new one.
That would be my first port of call.

Check also the earth for the clocks is there, usually a braided earth strap from the rocker cover top right nut to the coil mounting bracket bolt.
Usually a brn/wht wire that goes back to fuse box earth i think..

Thanks - have already cleaned the contacts on the blue film where the multiplug fits, but as you say I will try wrapping something around the black plastic to pack it out a little.

For the braided earth wire, do you have a picture? Cannot remember seeing anything as substantial as what you are describing.

Thanks again for the help.

Not a brill pic but you can see the covered braid.
It goes from the coil mounting bracket bolt and then to rocker or valve cover top right stud. usually a plate there that has a brn/white wire that goes to fuse  box earth.



You can splice an extra earth to the clocks earth via a self tapper into the firewall behind.

chortle, bit of an update and a thanks - wrapped some duct tape around the black nib that the foil fits round to pack it out. White connector block fits VERY firmly against the blue foils now and…everything is working perfectly!

So a big thanks to such a simple idea that seemed to have stumped a few people. Job done, onto the next problem.

Kerching!!!