[HeroOfSpielburg]

Hey,



So the day after buying the car I'm driving through a tunnel and realize I can't see at all how fast I'm going... no lights on the gauges. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.png" class="smilie" alt="" />



My understanding is that fuse 38 is what I should start with. I pulled that and put it in the checker and got a green light, so the fuse isn't the issue. I also tried rubbing the dimmer up and down vigorously several times after reading that suggestion on other post.



Does the next step to debugging this involve disassembling part of the dash, or can I check something else first?



Thanks for helping a noob!



-David

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[Bulti]

Before anything else (if the fuse is ok) I would check if the 3 connectors at the back of the cluster are seated properly.

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[HeroOfSpielburg]

Thanks Phillippe. By "cluster" do you mean where the the wires on the backside of the instrument panel? There's no way to get to that without removing the dash, right?

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[Cloud9...68]

Actually, the cluster can be removed without removing the dash, but as i recall (been many years since I removed mine), it takes a bit of maneuvering to get it past the steering wheel, but it can be done. Removing the dash looks like a nightmare.

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[Bulti]

I just took mine out to clean the connectors. You don't need to remove the steering wheel, but it sure makes things easier. Carefull when removing the airbag! You need to disconnect the battery at least 1 hour in advance (better be on the safe side with this one)!



After that you can remove the plastic trimpiece that surrounds the instruments (7 screws in total I believe).



The cluster comes out pretty easy then, at least if you don't rush it as you figure out which way goes best :-)



The downside of removing the steering wheel is that you have to get the airbag warning light reset afterwards.

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[ds968]

To avoid triggering the " ! " / air bag light , disconnect the negative terminal cable first, but reconnect it last. Always leave a minimum of 30 min. between disconnecting and reconnecting ( should not be a problem in your case - if you're taking the cluster out to fix the lights, unless you're a magician, it'll easily take you more than than 30 min. :-) )

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[HeroOfSpielburg]

Ok, thanks guys. I'll try to give it a shot this weekend and see how far I get without making it worse. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Bulti]

If you're about to use a crowbar, step away from the vehicle.

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[ds968]

[quote name='Bulti' timestamp='1409685038' post='161756']

If you're about to use a crowbar, step away from the vehicle.

[/quote]

<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/laugh.png" class="smilie" alt="" />



and remember, if it can't be fixed with a hammer, the problem is electrical ( in which case..duct tape ! )



but back on topic, I recall the removal of the instrument panel segment ( I changed to LED lighting ) to have been fairly trouble free, but in fairness I had a very mechanically apt friend and 968 forum member do that , it wasn't me.. i just do not remember if the steering wheel was removed - i want to say it wasn't, just not sure..my memory sucks <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[JWahlsten]

You don't have to remove the steering wheel, but it certainly makes the job a LOT easier. Once the steering wheel is removed it's not to bad to get the cluster out. Clean the grounds and replace all of the bulbs when in there... You could take a look at the odometer gears at this point too, although I don't think they're as big of an issue with the 968 as the 944 because of the redesign of the reset mechanism.



The airbag light won't be triggered unless there is power to the system with the airbag removed...

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[flash]

actually, the airbag light can be triggered if the airbag is disconnected too soon after shutting down or disconnecting the battery. it retains power for a while as a safety precaution. 45 minutes seems to be the safe waiting period.



the odometer gears are still a problem in the 968. i've had to replace mine, 2 others, and i even know some people who have had to do it twice. i found it odd too, since the activation is a button switch, and not a mechanical release. it must be that the gears just can't handle being engaged after the release while they are still moving, and consequently this requires not resetting the odometer while the car is moving to prevent failure.

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[Bulti]

Just to be clear: is it important or necessary to disconnect both poles?

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[JWahlsten]

I've always pulled the negative and left it for an hour or so. Never had an issue doing so. If I know I am going to be doing the work, I will pull the negative the night before...Overkill, but you know you're good.

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[Bulti]

Excellent, that should keep the warning light off this way.

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[HeroOfSpielburg]

Ok, so I'm trying to get my hands on the 3 bulbs since I'm taking it apart might as well replace them even if it's the connectors that are the problem.



Can anyone confirm that I want a 3 (or 3.8) watt 12V bulb without plastic socket? It seems that anything more than 3.8 creates too much heat, but people often complain the standard 3 watt bulb is too dark. It seems the Sylvania number is 194, but I'm not sure if that's a more generic bulb socket description.



Bonus question for my EU friends. Can anyone recommend an auto parts site for this? Unfortunately Google always directs me to parts stores in the USA.

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[tryan]

the osram/sylvania/hella dash bulb is common to most European cars....audi, break my window, merc, VW, etc..... search for W0133-1644070. should be a made in Hungary item.



all of them being out at the same time is odd. try some contact cleaner on the potentiometers if your diving in.

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[Bulti]

Hero, if you Google the Sylvania bulb, try selecting "Sweden" in the "search aid" menu of Google, right at the top. This way the search engine comes up with nothing but websites of your country.



Maybe this will guide you to a local shop. Or you can try a VAG dealership?

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[ds968]

[quote name='Bulti' timestamp='1410112955' post='161998'] Or you can try a VAG dealership?[/quote]



Must..resist...must ..resist making a smartass remark .. :-) :-) Not easy to resist with an opening like that ( aw, and there's a pun even ..)

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[Bulti]

Why is it that one has to weigh up his every word on this forum? You got something to do with that Dan? ;-)

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[ds968]

Moi ?! :-) :-) But seriously, what the heck is a VAG dealership ?

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