Bentley Publishers - Technical Discussions : Erratic Wipers & Instrument Cluster ...

mrmambo

Posts: 12
Registered: 05/28/04

Erratic Wipers & Instrument Cluster Probs.
Posted: Oct 13, 2009 3:00 PM

vw_rg97_wiring

Hi:

I've been struggling with wonky wipers for 2-3 years now:
- come on by themselves when starting car and stop mid-wipe
- stay in mid-wipe position until something (the relay?) releases, so I'm able to flick it (20 secs. later) and then it gets stuck again
- sometimes work normally, mostly not

I've tried replacing the wiper relay (part #4B0955531E) 3 times now, sometimes new and sometimes used. It usually works for about a week or sometimes months, but eventually goes bad again. I've found that changing the relay sometimes makes no difference at first, but then works the next day after I've installed it; not sure if it has something to do with the electrical system resetting...?

I just tried replacing the wiper switch (4B0 953 503 E 01C) with a used part off eBay, but that didn't change anything.

In replacing the switch I had to remove the steering wheel and the instrument cluster. I may have burned-out the cluster: I plugged the cluster back in with the negative battery cable attached. The display was completely blank and the gauges were flat. I smelled something burning and found a burned-out fuse (#11, Instrument Cluster, shift lock). I reseated the cables and replaced the fuse, but the cluster still isn't working--now it displays random warning lights (trunk, etc.), but no gauges or odometers are working.

QUESTIONS:
What can I do to fix the wipers?
Is the instrument cluster burned-out? If so, do I have to go to dealer to reset odometer or can I (or a local mechanic) do it?
Can I buy a used cluster or are they very specific to the VIN? (the decal for mine has my VIN on it)
If I install it, what should I do to avoid burning out the cluster?

Thanks in advance-

-Mark-

Bresha

Posts: 415
Registered: 02/23/09

Re: Erratic Wipers & Instrument Cluster Probs.
Posted: Oct 14, 2009 10:13 PM

in response to: mrmambo

Reply

Mark,
First and easy fix for the wiper issue is to replace the wiper motor, it's bad definitely.
Instrument cluster failure due to reversed polarity if so,
but you stated battery was connected and i do not see a problem, i replaced to many with battery connected and never had an issue, there might be something else, occurred after switch replacement, however need further diagnostic why it's happened. Check all the fuses and if all good I.Cluster is bad.
If your car is equipped with the an Immobilizer i suggest to replace new instrument cluster and reprogram the keys and transfer the vin # to the IC, dealer mostly do that kind of work, but some independent are equipped too. See and search in your area...
I'm able to do all the work even with the used cluster but i guess we are far away from each other.
IC part # should be same if you decide to go for used one.
Good luck.

Bresha

mrmambo

Posts: 12
Registered: 05/28/04

Re: Erratic Wipers & Instrument Cluster Probs.
Posted: Oct 15, 2009 8:22 AM

in response to: Bresha

Reply

Thanks, Bresha--really appreciate the feedback.

Wiper motor:
I had considered this, as it's the only component left that I hadn't replaced, but it still seems to be more related to the relay or switch. The motor isn't binding, it's simply reacting erratically as though it's receiving incorrect instructions.

Instr Cluster:
I've gone ahead and ordered a replacement one; even found one with the TVA custom white face, which should be cool.

I don't know that I have an immobilizer; I have the stock 99 New Beetle GLS. Why would I have to reprogram the keys and the VIN to the cluster--are they related somehow?

mrmambo

Posts: 12
Registered: 05/28/04

Re: Erratic Wipers & Instrument Cluster Probs.
Posted: Oct 15, 2009 2:30 PM

in response to: Bresha

Reply

Bresha:

I replaced the instrument cluster and it works fine; swapped it back and forth with the old one and the old one is definitely bad.

The only problem is the odometer is about 6000 miles too high. I've searched online, but I don't think you can adjust it down using a Vag-Com, just up. If you know of a way to adjust the odometer down, please let me know as I'm going to a guy's house with a Vag-Com on Sunday.

I think my car doesn't have an immobilizer; it seems to be running okay. I ran the key fob part number and I think it's non-immobilizer; they were in some later 1999 cars, but apparently not mine.

I found a technical bulletin that describes the procedure for matching the keyfob to the immobilizer/inst. cluster:
http://www.qclt.com/wego/vag-com/technicalbulletin.pdf

NCScorpius

Posts: 10
Registered: 09/24/09

Re: Erratic Wipers & Instrument Cluster Probs.
Posted: Oct 28, 2009 11:26 AM

in response to: mrmambo

Reply

I recently had the dealer replace my 2000 NB cluster with a used 2003 NB cluster I got off ebay. my mileage should be 84K on the Bug, but replacemnet cluster is @ 61K.. I would like a way to adjust it up 23K to make it match the actual mileage. I have Vag-com, but seems you can only adjust it up once and only if your mileage is less then some small number. Is there anyother way to adjust it up,say from the speeo sensor with a drill or electrical impulse from the speedo sensor. since no harm moving the odometer to show more miles I would think it would be easier?