Octavia I (2000, GLXi 1.9) 172,000 miles (but I want more!)

On switch on this morning the speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge and temp gauge have all stopped functioning. All other lights etc on dashboard appear to be working. Can someone advise if this a fuse problem ? (if so which fuse ?) All help appreciated.

Thanks,

Irene

Very common problem, basically the instrument cluster has failed. You now have 3 options,

The first one is to actually remove a fuse to disable a circuit, this does rather strangely get the instruments working again but the trip computer and clock will reset each time you remove the key.

The second one involves removing the cluster, and if you are good with a soldering iron replacing several components on the PCB.

The third one is to send the whole cluster off to a third party repair (eg. BBA REMAN) who will fix the fault and return the cluster to you.

The car cannot be started or driven without the cluster as it contains the immobiliser electronics.

Have a read here for more info.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/7335-octavia-90-tdi-intermittent-instrument-panel/

Thanks for the quick response. I have removed fuse 15 and all appears to be functioning fine. I can't decide whether to take any further action (not confident about soldering anything) and it is a gamble whether it is worth spending any big money - what is next to go at this mileage?! From what I've read removing fuse 15 doesn't appear to affect the ability to get through the MOT so might just stick with that.

I need a working speedometer because our 17 yr old daughter is learning to drive and using the car to practise - it is probably all the stalling that has knackered the dashboard in the first place

Thanks again,

Irene

if you can put up with the clock and trip computer reset, then just leave it as it is.

Bear in mind though that removing fuse 15 means that your lights on buzzer will no longer function, I had the same thing happen to my car and after being left stranded twice because of a flat battery, I decided to replace the instrument cluster, which was a lot cheaper than replacing a knackered battery!

Yes thanks. I park in a garage so I should be aware of a lights-on situation - unless dreadfully distracted! I will need to monitor it though - especially once the 17 yr old starts driving it on her own.