Speedo and mileage counter dead

[Sonic]

I had just replaced the board and lights that go into the rear passenger light cluster and whilst driving home the speedo dropped to 0 mph, just as i was about to go through a speed camera

Both mileage counters in the middle of the speedo and the mpg and miles left until fuel runs out on the trip computer both display values but are clearly wrong. The mpg says 23.5 even at WOT (i wish!)

Also, the airbag light now stays on.

visually checked all fuses to no avail, and checked with an electrical light. Some of the fuses dont light up but im assuming not all are meant to? Made sure all the electrics in the light cluster were ok after i'd fiddled with them and refixed the connector to the sensor on the gearbox. I also pulled back the boot on the connector and it looked fine.

I've not gone as far as removing the instrument cluster yet and thus not checked the sensor is carrying a signal.

Besides replacing the sensor and checking connections at the back of the instrument cluster has anyone else got any ideas? The airbag light staying on could be a clue?

Cheers!

[Sonic]

Ok no one has any ideas...

Im going to take a look at the instrument cluster, just to clarify, because i really dont want to get this one wrong, i need to d/c the battery (-ve off first, on last), leave for an hour and then remove the plastic trim under the steering wheel along with the steering wheel?

I'll be posting pictures if my airbag goes off...

[Fat Audi 80]

Andy, calm down.

You don't need to take the steering wheel off. Remove two off screws under steering column. Then remove two off screws in front lower edge of inst cluster. Carefully prise the one edge of the cluster out of the dashboard. Reach around the back and start unplugging the connectors. NOTE. you will need to use a small flat bladed screwdriver to prise up the small "tags" that secure the yellow and purple connectors onto their sockets. Once you have all the sockets off you can withdraw the inst cluster by tilting it at an angle....

Give me a buzz if you need some telephone support!

HTH

Cheers,

Steve

[Acidburn]

before you do that check the plugs under the dash have not moved, mine did and thats what I reckon killed my milage/speedo.

You don't get no speedo you just get the rev's,fuel,temp and the trip computer might as well be obsolete as nothing works on it even if you reset it. Try take the car for a quick drive and do some hard lefts/rights and see if the speedo kicks back into working for a second or so, if so that means there is a loose plug under the steering column which mine was.

also agree with steve on this, you should just be able to get the speedo cluster out if need be without the steering wheel coming off, i've done it a few times now just don't know if the airbag steering wheel is different in any way?

[Fat Audi 80]

As for the actual fault, I will have to have a think about it, its not one I have personally seen....

[stevieyid]

I just took the plastic trim off around the steering wheel. Are the two screws where it says VDO the only screws you need to take out to get to the speedo? My speedo sticks, i think its down to the dials peeling so i might have a go at cutting them back.

[Fat Audi 80]

I just took the plastic trim off around the steering wheel. Are the two screws where it says VDO the only screws you need to take out to get to the speedo? My speedo sticks, i think its down to the dials peeling so i might have a go at cutting them back.

Hi Steve.

Yes the two either side of the logo are the only two screws for the whole cluster / glass assembly.

If it has not been out before it will be slightly sticky to get free. Once it starts to move, you should be able to rotate it around and unclip the four connectors.

Bear in mind the purple and yellow multi plugs have a little pronged clip that needs to be raised before they will un clip off the back of the cluster. You may need to lever these up with a small screwdriver. I think the others pop off. Once they are all off you can withdraw the cluster past the steering wheel...

HTH

Cheers,

Steve.

[stevieyid]

Thanks Steve. Does the glass just pop off the front? If so i will try and leave the cluster in and trim the dials while in the car. Any advice on taking the needle of the speedo? Dont want to break it

[rotoryboy]

Does the glass just pop off the front? If so i will try and leave the cluster in and trim the dials while in the car. Any advice on taking the needle of the speedo? Dont want to break it

NO it's bonded. Take the cluster out and remove the whole front cover which includes the perspex front. The needles are well on, so you will have to apply equal pressure from the back of the needle. Just be gentle with it all

[s2_bo]

Unfortunately not mate.

You have to dismantle them from the rear once they are removed.

PM me your email address and ill send you a guide if you like.

Cheers.

[s2_bo]

You beat me to it Mark

[Davidsinclair05]

Is this the same sort of thing?

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21495