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Topic: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues (Read 880 times) previous topic - next topic

Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Hi all!

New to this site. I own a Lhassa green Mk1 Gti but am currently restoring a Mk2 2.0L Driver for the mrs. Its got a few electrical gremlins I'm hoping someone may be able to help with?
Firstly the  CE2 version (1992). The temperature gauge only works when I turn the headlights on??!!. Also I can not get the horn to work. Ive changed the X relay, the temp senders etc. Also the rad fan is very intermittent, it will come on then go straight off after 3 secs or so.
Anyone experienced similar issues? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks, Dom

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #1 –
Don't know about most of your problems but does the horn contact on the back of the steering wheel making contact via the wheel slip ring? I presume you have checked the horn does operate if you attach a live feed.

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #2 –
Yes I have tried this. The horn does work with a live feed to it
 

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #3 –
Your only option is to use the wiring diagram from the Haynes manual and check all the connections for faults using a multi meter.  I would be checking for obvious signs of corrosion, for example at the main connection for the fan, as they tend to get corroded with age, and broken wires.

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #4 –
Thanks for everyones replies. I have got the horn to work by putting a jumper cable where the relay goes. My question is, the relay that goes there does this also have anything to do with the fog lights?? I am getting only 11 volts to the fog light switch is this normal? Obviously the fog lights arent working either. Really starting to do my head in this proble. The temp gage still is intermittent also

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Keekster64 on
Your only option is to use the wiring diagram from the Haynes manual and check all the connections for faults using a multi meter.  I would be checking for obvious signs of corrosion, for example at the main connection for the fan, as they tend to get corroded with age, and broken wires.
Thanks for everyones replies. I have got the horn to work by putting a jumper cable where the relay goes. My question is, the relay that goes there does this also have anything to do with the fog lights?? I am getting only 11 volts to the fog light switch is this normal? Obviously the fog lights arent working either. Really starting to do my head in this proble. The temp gage still is intermittent also

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #6 –
I doubt the relay for the horn has anything to do with the fog lights, as that will be a separate circuit.  Again, you can only chase down these problems using a wiring diagram to check all the relevant wires and circuits.  If you have jumped the horn relay, and the wiring connections are all good, you probably need a new relay.  As for 11v on the fog lights, in my experience you do get some voltage drop on the circuits, but that would not be enough to prevent the light from working, it would just not be as bright.

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #7 –
Hi Dom,

I've recently (last weekend) had a similar issue when putting mine back together, not exactly the same, but odd things activating and interfering with others. Turned out to be an earth had worked loose off the main earthing distribution block, located near the back of the fusebox. I'd certainly check there.
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Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Monkey on
Hi Dom,

I've recently (last weekend) had a similar issue when putting mine back together, not exactly the same, but odd things activating and interfering with others. Turned out to be an earth had worked loose off the main earthing distribution block, located near the back of the fusebox. I'd certainly check there.

Thanks Monkey i'll give that a look

Re: Temperature gauge/ Electrical issues

Reply #9 –
Update!!
changed the temp sensors and had the binnacle out, cleaned all the connections, earths ect. checked the earth points beside the fuse box. removed and cleaned every earth point in the engine bay along with the battery one. Still nothing. Shorted he sensor plug and gague goes right over to the right and temp light flashes, all good there. Plugged the black temp plug(front of the top two in front of the red one) to the 3rd sensor under the top two and the gauge sprung into life and went just passed the midway point which I expected to be right as the engine had been running for about 10 mins or so. Then I switched the lights on and the gauge dropped again,turned them off its started to climb then POP it blew out the bottom sensor. Some serious electrical issues going on here. Also how do I add pictures/photos to these threads? This car is starting to break me! Cant get the ruddy rear fogs to work either