1978 Scirocco Mk1 : No dashboard lights even when ignition switched on
Posted
#1624125
(In Topic #222504)
Settling In
Thanks for making such a useful resource for these cool VW classsics.
Today I purchased a 1978 Mk1 VW Scirroco the car is in good structural order but i need to make it nice.
I expected the battery needed to be changed but I was surprised to find that when I plug in jump leads from my passat that even then no dashboard lights or power was available.
I plan to get a new battery anyway but I wondered if this might indicated some kind of problem with the wiring or ignition.
The car is currently stored at the seller's place, so I need to try and get it running asap so that I can get it out of his hair.
Thanks for any tips
David
Posted
Local Hero
Do any of the illumination work ie: Heater Controls, center console lamps? Do the instrument have any working lamps as in turns, Hazards, Brake warning? If they do then I suspect that there is a issue on the cluster with either the 12V in to the cluster, the Grounds to the cluster. If the Gauges as in Fuel and Water move when the key is switched to the run, then you have a fairly good indication that the Ground and the 12V in to the cluster is good, and it is just the light bulbs that are burned out.
If none of the other illuminated gauges work then I would suspect that you have a bad switch or a Burned or broken wire (gray/blue) from the switch to all things lighted ie: Cigarette lighter, console lights, center console light gauges (Oil pressure, Oil temp, Battery or clock.), heater controls.
It could be a fuse issue but the early mk1's didn't have a specific fuse for the lamps…
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
Settling In
There are no lights on at all nor the starter engaging.
I suppose i need to find something electrical which will work when the ignition is off. If even that doesn't work then i suppose it is a battery connection issue, hopefully it is not ignition switch related but i suppose i need ti be ready for that.
Any idea where i might find a technical manual for a mk1 scirroco?
Thanks for any tips!
David
Posted
Local Hero
I recently helped a friend sort her 6 year old Hyundia Diesel SUV. Overnight it went from working perfectly to not even having enough power to unlock the doors. Once in by manually inserting the key into the door handle (how old school….) the car was completly dead, no dash lights, no starter solenoid clicking, nothing, Norwegian blue dead as. I blamed her for leaving the lights on or something but being a modern CANBUS car it would have turned them off itself after a while?
A jump start with a spare battery didn't help.
A brand new battery worked instantly.
I can only assume the battery had failed internally and that may be whats wrong with yours?
1983 Mars Red 1.8 Golf GTI
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
Posted
Local Hero
Second. Get the battery tested.
After we know what is good, then we can look for bad things.
Haynes/Bentley for the books. I have a older Golf Bentley that covers the Scirocco and the electrical diagrams are half in color.
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
Settling In
Many thanks for the tips.
David
Posted
Local Hero
rabbitson said
I've ordered a new battery, I'll let you know how it goes.
Many thanks for the tips.
David
Any update? Did a new battery cure everything?
1983 Mars Red 1.8 Golf GTI
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
Posted
Settling In
I fitted the new battery, it seems there was also a problem with the earth.
Starter now activates.
No getting through now, found some splits in the fuel hoses, so will fix those next and see if it fires.
Thanks for the help
David
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