Dash Instrument Lighting Fault
Posted
#1521199
(In Topic #202489)
Newbie
Dash Instrument Lighting Fault
When I put the headlights or sidelights on my rev counter stops working as does the MFA. Also the instrument binnacle does not light up. I suspect an earthing problem but I am not sure where to look. I checked the wiring at the headlights all connections were good. Any pointers would be great. Cheers.
Posted
MOTY 2013
Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.
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My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
Posted
Local Hero
That is from the Battery to the Frame, and frame to the engine/tranny. If you have a 80's mk1 your earthing cables are over 30 years old, and used up.
On the back of the instrument cluster there are 1 or 2 connectors, you can remove the connectors, remove the plastic shrouds off the connectors on the cluster, carefully pry off the mylar circuit foil from the plastic tongue.
On the Pad side of the tongue place 1 piece of electrical tape and return the mylar over the tongue, replace the shroud, and you have just "plumped" your pins to make better contact.
Your Clusters have a earthing wire it is brown, and usually on pin 2 of the main connector. You will use a 3m Scotch Wire splice to splice a wire about 4 inches back from the connector, and tie it directly to the Frame with a self tapping sheet metal screw and a solderless ring connector.
If your Earthing Cables are flaky, which they can and usually are, the Auto and Electrons being stupid, will find any path it can to complete the circuit.
I have seen the Starters use Clutch Cables, Speedo Cables, Accelerator Cables, Sensor grounds, and Electronic Control Units (yep Main computers) for a ground path to complete the circuit. Which when putting 20-40 Amps of current through those usually fries the cluster, or ECU as well as the sensors…. Making for costly repairs.
Conversly, fuses that are blown, I have seen electrons re-route to secondary paths to battery….via other things and fuses….
Oh, and why VW in their wisdom left "live" wires without shielding is beyond my scope, as in the 2 bare connectors on the Hazards switch… I strongly urge you to use heat shrink on those to prevent blown Turn signal fuses.
Riddle me this;
What do Divorces, Good Coffee, and Electronics all have in common?
They all start with good grounds.
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
Newbie
Posted
Local Hero
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
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