All the gauges are not working

1998 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
180,000 MILES • 3.6L • VR6 • 2WD • MANUAL
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THARTMAN19
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
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?
Oct 13, 2021 at 10:51 PM
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BORIS K
  • ✓Experienced 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
Image (Click to enlarge)
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Oct 14, 2021 at 2:39 AM
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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?
Oct 14, 2021 at 3:48 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced 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
Image (Click to enlarge)
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Oct 17, 2021 at 6:22 AM
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