All the gauges are not working

THARTMAN19

MEMBER
1998 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
3.6L
VR6
2WD
MANUAL
180,000 MILES

Hello, I recently bought my car listed above Golf gti vr6. I noticed that none of my gauges are working, I have power to my instrument cluster, for example the dash lights up, turn signals work, basically all the lights work but the gauges will not move at all. Any suggestions?

Thursday, October 14th, 2021 AT 5:51 AM

3 Replies

BORIS K

MECHANIC
836 POSTS

Hello,

This is a common issue on the Golf/Jetta 3 range. It is usually caused by bad solder joints on the instrument cluster board.

These can be repaired by yourself if you are handy with a soldering iron and a bit of patience

See picture below of common problem areas, circled in yellow.

See link below.

https://youtu.be/GZOd383imj4

Please let us know how you get along.

Cheers, Boris

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Thursday, October 14th, 2021 AT 9:39 AM

THARTMAN19

MEMBER
2 POSTS

So, with this how would I know if they are bad or not? And if I wouldn't be able to do that should I buy a new cluster?

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Thursday, October 14th, 2021 AT 10:48 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

The way to tell if this is an issue with the cluster or various circuit issues/component issues is to check the voltage coming into the cluster on these circuits of the components that are not working. I would suggest starting with the speedometer as the speed sensor has a direct feed to the cluster.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

If you have voltage when the tires are spinning, then the circuit board of the cluster most likely has a failure as shown above. At that point you would need to repair it or replace it.

Let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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