Sharan Instrument Cluster Problem

My Sharan 1.9 TDI has an intermittent problem with the instrument cluster, the lights work and the clock but the gauges, including the tachometer and rev counter dont. Sometimes they operate but not often. Any ideas as to what it could be, i.e connection or new part needed. Also how do you access the unit, from underneath or does the dash have to come out:(
Advice would be very welcome thx:approve:

on a mk1 move wheel out and down. look into cowl ove clocks take 2 screws out and remove cowl. 2 screws hold clocks in, make sure the the plugs are a nice fit by unplugging and plugging back in