Instrument Panel Problem

[stevetwigs]

Today I started up my MK3 golf and all the instruments dont work. So no reading on temparature, fuel, temp and rev gauges Also clock and mileage go blank.

When I turn the key before ignition all the readings are there, just when it turns to start they all go out and stay out.

There is also a strange whirring noise when the engine starts for a few seconds (key fully turned) and the same when tunring the ignition off.

Any ideas what this might be causing this.

All other electrical systems seem to be working fine.

I also notice that while the handbrake is on, the warning lights flickers when the enggines running

Thinking of checking the instrument connnections and the igntion switch connections? Could it be a dodgy earth? Would they share the same earth? and if so where would it be?

Got a haynes manual and looking through the wiring diagrams but not making complete sense, or just beyond my intelligence.

Any help much appreciated as pretty stuck. Thanks

[houstypalroy]

did you solve the problem with dash whirring and losing instruments as having same problem and driving me nuts
!!!!!!!!



Any ideas what this might be causing this

Today I started up my MK3 golf and all the instruments dont work. So no reading on temparature, fuel, temp and rev gauges Also clock and mileage go blank.

When I turn the key before ignition all the readings are there, just when it turns to start they all go out and stay out.

There is also a strange whirring noise when the engine starts for a few seconds (key fully turned) and the same when tunring the ignition off.Any ideas what this might be causing this.

All other electrical systems seem to be working fine.

I also notice that while the handbrake is on, the warning lights flickers when the enggines running

Thinking of checking the instrument connnections and the igntion switch connections? Could it be a dodgy earth? Would they share the same earth? and if so where would it be?

Got a haynes manual and looking through the wiring diagrams but not making complete sense, or just beyond my intelligence.

Any help much appreciated as pretty stuck. Thanks

[stevetwigs]

Still doing it occasionally,

But recently found out my cluster is knackered, Thought the car was overheating as temp guage was climbing all the time, but heating system is fine and guage is showing incorrect reading.
So gonna replace cluster and hopefully solve the temp guage and cutting out problem.
The garage who tested my heating system also deals in second hand spares so they are looking out for the correct speedo, apparently they are really easy to replace (looks easy in my Haynes manual) but you will need someone with the right software if you need to retain the mileage reading.
Lot of information on other forums talking about earthing problems but most end up with a cluster replacement.
Good luck

[pgmmaathuis]

I had similar problem with my wife's 1996 Golf. The instrument cluster was working OK before starting the engine (with ignition on), but went dead (all gauges 0 / leftmost) when engine was started, only to return to life when engine was warm and revs were not above appr. 1,000 rpm.
Quite a nuisance to have to use the clutch pedal to find out how fast you are going and what petrol is left...

The local VAG dealer could offer no help - they said they can't check the inner workings of the instrument panel. Installing a new panel would be over EUR 300...

Not understanding how the instrument panel function could be related to engine revs, I considered the voltage regulator inside the panel as a potential culprit. I decided to check the voltage on board and found it to be 19..20 Volt immediately after starting the engine!!!

Clearly a bit too much for the instrument panel to handle (and as it turned out, too much for the (new!) battery to handle as well - it had blown off the 6 filler caps and spilled half of the acid; we were lucky it didn't explode altogether).

Repair was simple: the generator has a built-in voltage regulator to maintain max 14,5 Volts. Although the Haynes manual suggests to remove the generator from the car, I replaced the regulator with the generator in place.

After this, and refilling the battery, the instrument panel works as new.

BTW - the dealer charges EUR 80 (or more) for a voltage regulator - I got a replacement from eBay at EUR 13 (ok, shipment was another EUR 13, but still...)

[houstypalroy]

dont know if its any help, but eventually cured mine, !!!!! all it was was change of battery!! swoped them over and car starts straight away with no whirring noise from dash etc and no instrument loss, stupid thing was the car(1995 golf 1.8) started normally anyway, so didnt suspect battery at first, only when i sapped with my bora did i notice the difference, be lucky!!!!

Today I started up my MK3 golf and all the instruments dont work. So no reading on temparature, fuel, temp and rev gauges Also clock and mileage go blank.

When I turn the key before ignition all the readings are there, just when it turns to start they all go out and stay out.

There is also a strange whirring noise when the engine starts for a few seconds (key fully turned) and the same when tunring the ignition off.

Any ideas what this might be causing this.

All other electrical systems seem to be working fine.

I also notice that while the handbrake is on, the warning lights flickers when the enggines running

Thinking of checking the instrument connnections and the igntion switch connections? Could it be a dodgy earth? Would they share the same earth? and if so where would it be?

Got a haynes manual and looking through the wiring diagrams but not making complete sense, or just beyond my intelligence.

Any help much appreciated as pretty stuck. Thanks