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View Full Version : Gauges Crappin Out...

lipunx
12-22-2005, 12:47 PM
So last night I took a little (8 hour) trip back and forth from Ny To Mass. When we first left I noticed that the lights in my gear cluster were dimming in and out real fast like almost to fast to notice. Then about 4 hours later on the way back home all of my gauges would drop down to where they would be if the car was off and spring back up again. This happened about 5 times and once only happened to the tach. I'm thinking that it's either a bad cluster or that the connections are loose. Any other ideas ?

Btw I don't notice any other lights dimming or anything else shutting down and the car drove like a dream the whole time as always haha.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Mr_Diesel
12-22-2005, 01:06 PM
I recently had problems with my cluster in my 94 jetta... Much like what you explain. Apparently, the software can actually go bad in these clusters. it's very very rare, but it can happen. Happened to me... It could be a bad ground... Check ALL of the electrical connections on all the sensors under the hood.... clean off the battery terminals, and check all the battery grounds.... If that doesnt help, you'll need to replace the cluster.... I found on on the tex for 35 shipped.
lipunx
12-22-2005, 01:09 PM
Well I just so happen to have a spare :D but before I replace it I'll check everything else out. Much thanks
burn_your_money
12-22-2005, 10:23 PM
I was thinking bad ground since it happened to all the gauges at the same time
Mr_Diesel
12-23-2005, 12:20 PM
I was thinking bad ground since it happened to all the gauges at the same time

All the guages are run by one software program.
burn_your_money
12-24-2005, 01:45 PM
I was thinking bad ground since it happened to all the gauges at the same time

All the guages are run by one software program.

I meant compared to the other conenctions, IE the oil pressure sensor, temp sensor etc.
lipunx
12-24-2005, 06:25 PM
Ok dudes I found the problem. The cable that go's from the negative battery terminal to the starter/transmission was loose. Finally got a chance to get under the car today. Now the lights don't flutter and hopefully the gauges behave.

Thanks !