98' VW Jetta speedometer and tachometer problem

[Landlash]

Both my speedometer and tachometer work intermittently, usally they don't work, but sometimes they do work, how would I fix this ??

[COnnie]

[If you can get the answer I hope you will share it. Its only my speedometer that doesn't work full time. No problem with my tac. Mechanic says it may be the speedometer sensor where it goes to the transmission????????

[Kuato]

Try cleaning up the speedometer sensor on the transmission. This may be done by pulling the unit from the transmission housing, then cleaning and lubricating the moving parts.

[Landlash]

Cleaning didnt help, the sensor is in transmission so it's pretty well lubricated. Connie is this only problem you have whit this car ,how's electrics in it ?? Kuato thx for the advice

[ATLGuy]

My 2000 Cabrio does the same thing. The speed/tach is really strange. No rhyme or reason as to when it works and when it doesn't... temp/gas/odometer/clock all work, just the speed/tach. It's only at start time though - if it's working then, it'll stay working. If it's not working then, it won't. It doesn't start/stop while the car is running. When it's not working it seems to be running very rough... Any help? Seems to be common amongst the internet but nobody says what's done about it... HELP!! ;-)

[Patty]

My speedometer/tach doesn't work either. Replaced the speed sensor and still doesn't work. Took my Jetta to a VW Dealership and said the speedometer drive gear needs to be replaced at $1300.00 Ouch! Of course my extended warranty that I paid $1300.00 doesn't cover the repair. In Maryland you can't pass the emmissions test with the check engine light on. I'm getting a second opinion this week. HELP! Does anyone know a good web sight to go to check for recalls?

[mobius]

re...jetta/speedo problems.the transmitterlocated on the tranny is a hall effect txmr.spinning magnet under a transistor .try cutting the cylindrical barrel (above clamp)in half ,horizontally with a steak knife.this will reduce the spacing and increase pickup sensitivity,connect to wiring ,spin up with a drill should indicate 15-20 km/hr with ignition switched on,re -install,works for me...mike

[Cesar]

I have the same problem, no speed signal (Tach OK) I found an instrument cluster at a junkyard and now it works fine but very high mileage on it, of course kept it in but if I ever sell my car I guess I'll change it back.

[Dion]

I had the same problems with my cluster in my 1999 jetta, just replace the whole cluster, that is the only way it can be fixed, those clusters were almost designed to break at a certain time!

[Ryan]

My o7 jetta is doing the same thing. Bringing it to VW see what they can do. Still under waranty thank god!

[ALA]

If you guys recall typically when she works it is when the temperature is low. On start up the tach and the speedo work in sync. It is apparent that there is a power problem in the cluster. There are plenty of sites that offer to repair them for a reasonable cost. After a bit of trouble shooting, I am of the opion that the power transistors located on the circuit board are faulty. This can be assessed by the intermittent operation, when the temperature is low the components shrink and allow for better conductivity. I have ordered a replacement transistor. Will advise on the results.

[tadd]

My 2000 Cabrio gas the same problem. I have seen the post were the weather seems to determine when the tach/speedo fail. I live in northern Indiana where it has been very cold, and I still have the problem just as often as when it is warm out. I am curious to anyone who has found a solution to this problem. When moving the wires to the ECU with the ignition on the gadges suddenly stopped bouncing around the 0 mark and worked correctly for a short time; i'm not sure if there is any correlation.

[Adrian]

Looking forward to the answer on the transistors. Same problem I have, and be willing to trgy the transistors solution. Not sure which are the power transistors either, but sure can weld.

[TJH]

I have a problem with my speed and tach in a 95 Jetta. They work at the most random times. Also the instrument illumination lights do not function.

[Dan]

I had a problem on my 95 jetta with all the gauges randomly quiting. Found out it was a short in the wiring harness. I replaced the wiring harness and it works great now. I don't know if this is anybody else's problem but it didn't cost too much it was just kind of a pain to put in.

[ron v]

Sorry to change the subject, but is anyone haveing manual transmission, shifter problems? My 99 Jetta seems to shift fine at first, but the more I drive it the harder it is to get into gear (mostly first) and to find gears when downshifting.

[Adrian]

GOT IT!!!!!

Steeper motor (the one that moves the needle). One of the gear was broken and would slip when the needle got to zero, puzzling the cluster electronics and disabling the other gauge.

Thats why one of the needles would keed trying to reach zero and the other would be quiet.

When the car is cold, the gear have just enough grip to hold the steeper motor shaft during the zeroing.

[pnutz_mom]

I just purchased a 2000 cabrio and less than 24 hours after I picked it up the speedometer started acting erratically. Took back to the dealership and they called VW(bought it at a used car dealership) and were told that the cable to the transmission was loose and needed to be replaced. The cabrio doesn't even have a cable to the speedometer from the transmission. Have to replace the whole head in the instrument panel. Found a used head for $300 and then have to have the miles programmed correctly to the tune of $200. I am extremely disappointed in the VW experience.

[folmas]

I got same Problem. Did you fix your problem?([e-mail])

[ellis]

ALA wrote:

I have ordered a replacement transistor. Will advise on the results.

Any luck with your fix??????????