Cluster Problem

[DUB 12V]

hey boys got a small problem with my cluster, when i start my car all the needles work sweet and move, but sometimes when i start it up or leave the car for 5 min and come back and start it up again the speed and rev needles dont move.?? they just stay on 0..? the temp, km, time and petti still works every time, but its only some times the other 2 big needles dont move..

my vr has only done 56,000km on it so its pretty much new, i was thinking it was the speed sensor?? has this happend to any one before? and can yuou repair them.?
thanks mitch

[MattyT]

Wow 56k, virtually untouched!

Everything behind the cluster is just simple electronics. A suitably knowledgeable vw mechanic should be able to help you out.

[Golf Houso]

Wow 56k, virtually untouched!

Everything behind the cluster is just simple electronics. A suitably knowledgeable vw mechanic should be able to help you out.

X2, mines done 72k, hardly new by any means and suffers some of the same problems as cars that have done thrice the k's.

[The_Hawk]

Wow 56k, virtually untouched!

Everything behind the cluster is just simple electronics. A suitably knowledgeable vw mechanic should be able to help you out.

Let me break this down for you... It's busted. They do that

For reference, this is the older cluster:



This is the newer more high tech chip driven cluster:



Notice the front of the older cluster, it's all one piece:



The newer ones can pull of and switch around the components if one dies:


As far as I know, once it's dead, it's dead and your up for a second hand one with whatever km's on it, or you can get a new one from VW for an extortionate amount.

PS mine did the same thing, new one fixed it right up

[Golf Loon]

Its a known fault. VW techs call it the dance of death!

Its a problem with the CPU. A new cluster is the only answer.

$550 brand new from VW, with 0 ks. $150+ used with whatever ks are stored on em.

I have sent a few clusters to instrument repair guys who are always so confidant they can fix em. They never have....

[AusScare]

$550 brand new from VW, with 0 ks.

Sounds like an easy way to add thousands to your car's value?? Or the correct thing to do after a complete engine rebuild?

edit: While on this topic, does the vr6 dash have a fuel low light?

[Golf Loon]

While on this topic, does the vr6 dash have a fuel low light?

I think so, but its a different cluster to the 2L, as the rev counters are calibrated differently.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Yeah I was reading through a cluster light change DIY yesterday and the bloke showed all the lights in the dash and they had all sorts, including seatbelts and fuel. The only lights that I ever see in mine are battery, oil, coolant and intermittently, handbrake

[The_Hawk]

edit: While on this topic, does the vr6 dash have a fuel low light?

From memory there is a provision for one, but I have never seen it used on either of the two VR6 clusters I have... mind you I don't tend to run that low on fuel.

[MattyT]

Just wait until your engine starts spluttering, then go get more fuel

[Mrk_Mickey]

Just wait until your engine starts spluttering, then go get more fuel

Haha nice, I like it matty

I want to change my cluster or the cluster lights.....

[jammah]

dance of death repaired

hello all had the same problems was intermittent to start with but quickly became permanant automotive instruments in mulgrave vic repaired mine cost me $190 and i got to keep my original km's
took them 2 days i would def recommend them
works fine now

[VOLKSMAN]

for sydney siders

guys, im in the same boat. been like this for 2 months now. http://www.airco.com.au/ contacted these guys for a reply. still waiting

theyre vdo specialists.

[SpeciP3]

Off topic a little, I have an intermittent oil pressure warning problem, it drives me insane! comes on with inclines and steep turns. Both oil pressure switches have been changed and the cluster has been fiddled with but still no cigar.
Anyway... where can i find the sound relay for cluster warnings?
also any chance of getting it repaired or am I better off grabbing a second hand one?

[VOLKSMAN]

i think repairing it is the way to go, coz theres no playing with the mileage of your original cluster. and less hassle of getting vw to caliberate it.