I bought a 95 Golf today. the speedometer is not working, all other gauges work just fine. The dash illumination lights come and go. Any ideas what might be wrong?

An another note, there is ALOT of play with the transmission shifter (5 speed). Any ideas how to fix that.

thanks

 

The connections for the speedometer could be tarnished or the wires could be damaged. You can fix the tarnish by takeing a wire brush and copper cleaner to both ends of the connection (be sure to clean it all out when you're done) If it's the wires then just buy the same gauge wire and some connections, cut the bad wire out and connect the new one.

As for the play in your shift it could be a loose linkage which is easy to fix.

 

An another note, there is ALOT of play with the transmission shifter (5 speed). Any ideas how to fix that.>Nox Vidmate VLC

 

If your speedometer stopped working and stays at 0 MPH, you should have your car checked ASAP. The most common causes of a speedometer that stopped working include are a faulty speed sensor, a broken gear on the speedometer, damaged wiring, or a faulty engine control unit.

 

@pong : Speed sensor is connected to the wheels / ABS-ring, correct?