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?

3 Replies

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 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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