Polo Instrument panel problem

[Storer]

Hi all over here.

I hope someone may be able to shed some light on a problem with my son's 1998 Polo 1.0.

The speedo is not working at all and the fuel gauge reads erratically (goes up and down about 1/4 tank worth while car in motion). I have tried cleaning contacts on both ends of the speedo cable with no effect.

I am told a new one is £200+ and needs to be synchronized to car (probably a load of rubbish to inflate the bill).

Is there anything I can do to fix the existing instrument cluster?

[lookout]

I thought that a 1998 Polo had an electronic speedo. If so, check that speed sensor in gearbox is working with scope.

The dash might well have the immobiliser built in, in which case a replacement will need to be programmed to the car.......

[Storer]

Yep, Polo has electronic speedo but I was told that the fuel guage and speedo are separate so it was more likely to be the dash unit if both giving trouble.