QuestionI have a 1995 VW Cabrio (2.0L, 5 Spd) with 2 problems.
1. It cranks but won't start. I found no spark from coil wire, so I replaced with a new coil, still no spark. It ran yesterday, just fine.
2. The speedo and tach work intermittently, and have for 2 years. Either both work or both don't. Odometer, fuel, and temp gauges always work, even when speedo and tach don't. Cruise works always too, so I suspect bad instrument cluster: logic circuit or common ground. Any ideas?
AnswerHey Jim; There is a part we affectionately refer to as the power supply relay, I think its actual name is the "Load reduction relay." If it goes bad, and it be intermittent until it goes out altogether, it will provide no start impulse to the fuel pump, and the fuel system, if there is no juice at the fuel pump the coil won't get any either, because these cars are smarter than most of us combined. The speedo, and tach just might be related to the "load reduction relay" too. I can't remember which one it is, but it will have an engineering number painted on it. It's up behind the fuse panel under the dash. Get a reference book, like "Bentley's," and track it down. They are about $45 to 50.00 for the relay. However they last a fairly long time, without another hidden problem someplace. See if this doesn't take care of both problems at the same time. Good luck, Jim.
