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HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 06 Nov 2010, 18:43
by spaceboy1
hi all
wonder if you can help, tried to ivestigate why my fuel tank gauge and temp gauge was not working, took out dash to gain access tot he multiconnector plug
disconected the multiplug checked copper strips on pcb, all looks fine, however a few of the prongs on the multiconnector seemed a little bit bent
backwards, not sure i was getting a good connection so fiddled about with it abit.
now i have major problem, fuel gauge still not working same with the temp gauge, now ive noticed the engine start up LED sequence doesn't flash
and my rev counter doesn't work also the indicator led doesnt register on dash oil and battery light doesn't flash or register no more.

before i took the the dash out start up sequence was working and the revcounter, also LED oil and battery light was working and the indicator led worked on the dash.

everything works ie dash lights are lighting up, lights work main beam side lights, indicators and hazards work, just not registering on the dash pod

confused any ideas, do you think ive blown summit

any help would be good

thanks guys

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 06 Nov 2010, 20:06
by kevtherev
Oh dear, you broke it..

did you test the senders and voltage regulator first before tearing the connectors apart

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 06 Nov 2010, 20:52
by spaceboy1
no to be honest kev, i was checking that i had a good conection at the multiplug, as ive heard most problems

arise from bad connection at plug, so disconected and had a look inside, don't think anything is fried as i disconected battery
an no signs of smoke burning or owt, just dont know how its not working the way it did before,

wonder if the connection is still a bit dodgy and not getting good contact with connection pins in the multiplug, or maybe the voltage stabilizer
is goosed

cheers

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 07 Nov 2010, 14:15
by spaceboy1
right got it back to the way it was before,
can you buy the little pins that goin the multiblock connection plug, as mine aren't too good.

so the problem i have fuel gauge not working properly when i switch on ignition the fuel indicator needle shoots to the top over the max point, but i'm pretty sure i dont have a full tank of petrol as not fueld for very long time.

and also thetemp gauge LED flashes and goes off as it should on starting sequence, but the indicator stays at the bottom no movement at all.

any ideas?

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 07 Nov 2010, 15:03
by kevtherev
so the problem i have fuel gauge not working properly when i switch on ignition the fuel indicator needle shoots to the top over the max point, but i'm pretty sure i dont have a full tank of petrol as not fueld for very long time
OK I would be checking the fuel sender on the tank, connections, earth etc
I'm sure the haynes gives you a method for that

thetemp gauge LED flashes and goes off as it should on starting sequence, but the indicator stays at the bottom no movement at all.
disconnect the sensor wires on the thermostat and touch them together or earth the red/yellow on a sutable earth.
the gauge should go to Maximum, if it does the temp sensor has failed.

we are presuming here you have a late water system petrol WBX with a plasic thermostat housing, as you don't say what you have

how many pins has the plug?

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 07 Nov 2010, 15:47
by spaceboy1
thanks for the advice kev, i will give this a try.

yes its the later type
cheers fella

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 07 Nov 2010, 18:18
by kevtherev
spaceboy1 wrote:right got it back to the way it was before,
can you buy the little pins that goin the multiblock connection plug, as mine aren't too good.


The multiblock is part of the wiring harness, You would be better getting a second hand harness from a breaker (try Billy 739)

Re: HELP Dash instruments not working

Posted: 07 Nov 2010, 18:47
by VWCamperfan
Also, fuel tank and temp gauge run from a common power regulator behind the dash. You could have loose connections onto this power regulator or it could have packed up completly!
You should have battery voltage going in one side and about 10 volts coming out and providing the gauges with power.