Help! MK4 GTI 1.8t Clocks not lighting up??

[mike1969]

Hello all, can anybody give me some advice, the clocks on my gti dont light up anymore, i've checked the fuses not sure what to do next, if i take it to my local dealer its going to give me 'heart burn' when i get the bill, Thanks Mike.

[benjdr]

Mike, I feel for you. This happened to me about 2 months ago and I did some research on the problem.
It can be really bad news depending on your luck.

As far as I know, there can be 3 quick fixes.
1. Disconnect battery, go for a cuppa, reconnect.
2. Check the cluster connections, there are 2 torx screws holding the fascia in place. Get it out and check the cables are attached firmly at the back.
3. Check fuses 11 and 15 (I think. There are two relating to the cluster) are good. Remove and put back in.

I got very lucky and number 3 fixed it for me.

If none of the above worked, you're probably looking at a replacement cluster.
If you are a pre 2002 MKIV, you will have an immo1/immo2 cluster, which means that anyone with VAGCOM will be able to program it to you car. Have fun with EBay.

However, if you have a newer car 2002 onwards, it's going to cost you a bit more. Only a dealer can help you.
You need your SKC to add the keys as it's the cluster that is coded to the key not the other way round. VW dealers now have their hands tied as they can't actually see the SKC themselves anymore. The whole thing is automated with the mothership in Germany now and the SKC is never displayed.

Unfortunately, VW will probably quote you a packet for this.

Let us know how you get on.

[mike1969]

Thanks for the reply, Happy Christmas!!

[benjdr]

Mike, just to check, does your computer in the centre of the console still work? I don't want to be jumping the gun if it's just the clock lights. That might be a different problem to the one I describe.

[mike1969]

yes the computer is still ok all the clocks are working, just no lights.

[benjdr]

Well in that case it could be a far more easy fix.
Still check my first 3 points from my first post, but if that fails I'm out of ideas since my problem was a but different, so do a good search of uk-mkivs.net

Good luck, keep us updated.

Edited by benjdr on Monday 24th December 22:56

[mike1969]

Thanks, i will have a go at it after christmas, will let you know. Mike

[mike1969]

Fixed it! not sure how but i took it apart, put it all back together and the clocks now light up, bad conection, thanks for your help, mike.