96 Passat Cluster issues

[Big Man]

My father in-law has a 96 Passat TDI. His tach jumps all over, his gas gauge jumps around, dose not give accurate reading, and his speedometer is jumping. We've checked relays, fuses. Still can't figure it out. Any one with this issue?

 

[mohawk69]

Have you cleaned all the grounds? I think there's one under the battery that's often the major culprit.

 

[Big Man]

Would this effect individual gauges? My 97 B4 temp gauge stopped working a few weeks back.

 

[DasTeknoViking]

Check the big round harness connector by the cylinder head. Clean it with CRC Electronics Parts Cleaner and pack it with dielectric grease. My B4 cluster was going nuts too, and even got a intake air temp CEL. Cleaned all grounds and even had the cluster rebuilt...

 

[ajrn]

DasTeknoViking..

I'm having similar symptoms after removing the head (and reinstalling it rebuilt).

Can you give me more "detail" on how that comes apart????

My fuse 21 is fine, and I don't seem to have other "ignition switch" issues-- but am considering replacing that, as well..
I'd cleaned ground wires with a dremmel while I had the extra space.
I'd replaced 109 some time ago for an unrelated issue, but will admit I haven't checked that.

What is that huge connector called, is there an article here you can direct me to, that's fine as well..

 

[DasTeknoViking]

I dont have the manual with me to tell ya what its really called, but its a big round connector right by the heater hoses coming off the head. It twists and comes apart, corrosion likes to build up in there. Its black and about 2" in diameter can not miss it

 

[ajrn]

...you actually answered my real question, it twists and comes apart, eh??

...then it shall! ~

I thought if it had a "name" I could search here to see how to "disassemble" it.

Thanks!!!

BTW-- I have a BMW motorcycle in the garage myself. '98 R1200C. Point and laugh, if you must, but I love her..

 

[DasTeknoViking]

i love the boxer ! no laughing about, wife rode around on a Savage 650....thats some laughing matter Would love to add a R1200CL to the stable..... Let me know if it fixes your issues.

 

[ajrn]

....It was three ground wires!!!

Apparently I must have loosened the connection, and not lashed them back down, when I pulled the head.. The nut was finger tight..

I brushed 'em down with some emery cloth, and tightened the nut after some contact grease..

I didn't get the big wire connector apart... For today, RUNNING with GAUGES is all I needed.

Gauges working, on to vag-com timing..

But at least if I don't "get" it, I can now DRIVE it to someone to help me time it out..

Thanks!!

BTW-- my g/f has an '87 Virago 535.. V-twin, yes-- but shaft driven! Great little bike.. Tiny little fuel tank..