Hello, I've just purchased a MkI Octavia 1.9 TDI 2005 model and already I'm having problems.  Firstly, the instrument cluster failed completely (speedo, rev counter, fuel/temp. gauge) but came back to life a few miles later and seems OK now.  Since then I'm left with the airbag light on which I think I know how to get sorted.  But odder still, is the digital clock within the cluster works fine when the ignition is on.  But once switched off and the key is withdrawn from the barrel, the seconds on the clock tick over at the rate of knots.  It stays like this until the key is back in and the ignition switched on.  Anyone had this problem before and how can it be rectified?

Hi, theres a few threads about dry solder connections on the rear of the instrument cluster circuit board. These can cause many different issues, similar to what youve described. 

Im not entirely sure what you mean about the clock seconds ticking by really fast though? Mine didnt have seconds on it? Can you give a bit more detail on that? Likely though the solder issue is causing it.

When I say ticking over fast, I mean it's moving forward about 10 seconds per every one it should be moving.  Having said that, I was out in it yesterday and it appears to be OK now.  It could be a damp problem as the car upholstery has been shampooed and has left the whole of the interior quite wet.  And of course the recent UK weather hasn't helped it to dry any quicker.