We just bought a 1995 Golf III 2.0L. The speedometer and tachometer do not work. They seem to vibrate at zero but not move beyond that. The odometer, dial lights, etc., all seem to work fine.

I've seen a few posts on this subject but no definitive answer on whether its likely to be the speedometer gear or an electrical connection behind the instrument cluster.

Please can someone give me the specific location to look for to understand if it is a gear problem? I had trouble finding where the speedometer cable (I am assuming it is a cable) comes through the bulkhead and where it goes to.

Also, is there a procedure to follow to remove the instrument cluster to get behind there and find a bad contact? Do I have to remove the steering wheel to do this?

I very much appreciate your help.

Jon Crossley

My history with Golfs: In the UK a 1975 Golf 1100L, a 1978 Golf 1300LS, a 1985 Golf 1.8L (company car), now my son has his first, a 1995 Golf III 2.0L.

 

First, post tech questions at general tech or the Golf forum. Have you checked the fuses? Are any warning lights or others coming on? The speedometer and tach are electric. The speed sensor and tach sensor are on your trans.

 

I found and checked the speed drive connection into the tranny - looks in good condition. I checked all fuses, reseated relays, etc., wiggled the wiring harness in the engine and under the dash. It worked once today but as soon as car was stopped and stared, did not work again.

 

It must be a loose connection or shorted wire. I'm not sure about your car but I think it's fairly simple to take the instrument cluster out. I'd do that and make sure the connections are tight and no shorted wires. If everything looks ok you might need a new instrument panel.

 

I removed the instrument cluster and checked connections are seated properly. I think it is a short because it works first thing on cold mornings - I read that as resistance in the short-circult is too high when cold. On 2nd start when the engine is warm it never works.

 

The solution to this problem turned out to be a combination of two items: 1) the engine ground in front of the block was rusty which apparently can be a problem since its where the ground for the central processing unit occurs, 2) the instrument cluster has a known fault where a connection on a circuit board overheats - miraculously repaired by a local specialist with a dab of precision soldering.

 

i have that same problem with my '99 jetta wolfsburg edition. what can i do to fix it?

 

[QUOTE=blake;24474]i have that same problem with my '99 jetta wolfsburg edition. what can i do to fix it?[/QUOTE

Have you checked the fuse yet?