CQ strange electrical problem.

[varia]

Hey guys,

I got my second CQ, I’m very happy with it. It’s a 1990, decent condition, silver, 122K miles. When I purchased, I drove 1300 miles right away without any problem (oil, water) and I got 30mpg!!! But they are few issues with the electrical.

1., fuel gauge not working at all, if it does (very rare) it shows BS. The tank is full, but needle is at 1/4.

2., check engine light is on.

3., anti-lock light is ON and the rpm meter is working. BUT sometimes it shows no rpm AND anti-lock is OFF.

Weird hmm?!

Any advice where should I start?
Thank you.
Chris

[Ruffiano]

Have you tried pulling codes?

Fuel level could be the sender..

Abs might identify itself when you pull codes, could be the computer or a bad wheel sensor

[varia]

yes, but not much luck on that side.

psted this on fourtitude.com, vag-com section:

"i have a very old laptop with vag com 3.xx on it. Serial to OBDII then to OBDI.
It does work with my old ex s6.

When i try to link it up with the CQ, it tries many many times, then: to many errors. (Sometimes, i can read the vag number)

any idea what should i do, buy? new verison of vag-com, cable?"

[Ruffiano]

You don't need vagcom to pull codes, you can blink them out

Check out 20v.org "old style" you can find how to pull diagnostics

[varia]

Ive read it, still dont know how to approach it.

"Connect A1 and B1 together for at least 4 seconds, then disconnect.
The output codes will begin to flash on the diode or "check engine" light. "



Dont know which one is the A1 and B1....

thx!

[johne]

I would start by taking out the instrument cluster and remove all the connectors and modules on the back, clean up all the contacts with contact cleaner and reassemble.

John

[panzerwagen]

Varia the first thing you do is....

get the Bentley Manual for this car. Believe me, it will answer allot of your questions and the electrical schematics alone are worth the cost.
The anti-lock could be many things. The Rev counter could also be many things. The blink Code system of Fault errors is a good system but it has it's limitations. Go talk to the guys at both Motorgeek and QuattroWorld/80/90/CQ Forum. Those guys have loads of info on your car. They have helped me keep mine going since I've had mine new.