Temperature gauge fault

[Macca4540]

Hi,

I have 2002 VW Passat 1.8 SE Turbo estate. The temperature gauge has become faulty in that it is inoperative for most of the time. When it does work, it does so for a few minutes, then instantly drops away. I have had it checked over by an independent auto electrician who has had the instrument panel out. He says that there is a fault with the circuit behind the gauge which is causing the problem. He was unable to repair it.
VW dealers say that I will have to get a whole new instrument panel, which is obviously very costly.

Does anyone have any other suggestions or ideas re. this?

Cheers

Macca.

[Baron_Samedi]

It is clear that a circuit has gone open circuit and is re-making occasionally.

Trusting your electrician, I would investigate the possibility of sending off your instruments to be professionally examined. I am sure there are firms who do this work but.... it is unlikely to be cheap

[gearhead188]

When i had a problem with the temp gauge on my tdi passat, it was the sender. First i thought it was the connections, but i eventually had to buy a replacement.
It would be a shame to spend all that money if it turns out to be a 20 quid part thats giving problems. Did your guy test it?