92 Cab Cluster Q's

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DruG - 29 Aug 2006 05:06 GMT

So we just bought a 92 Cab 5sp Karmann edition. There are a couple weird
things going on with the cluster.
First Question is how do I get it out of the dash? I had all the trim and
switches off and had the two screw holding it at the top out but I couldn't
get the speedo cable out or the wire harness on the bottom right off. There
is a loose connection back there somewhere, the warning lights, tach and
fuel guage were intermittently not working and when I reached my hand around
the back while trying to take it out I found I would hit something that
would make them all work. On a side note there was also something back
there that was zapping me but it didn't do anything when I touched it other
than zap me.
Second question, The oil light (not with buzzer) and occasionally the
coolant light is coming on after driving for awhile but it only flashes when
the car is at idle, as long as your driving it or revving the engine they
stay off. So what could this be? Could this be related to the loose
connection? Or is it something else.

Thanks very much for any insight,
-Andrew

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Papa - 31 Aug 2006 01:08 GMT

Congratulations on the acquisition of your Cabbie. It is truly a fun car,
whether being worked on or when driving. I love mine, a 1988 Karmann edition
with 270,000 miles on it.

You should visit the VWvortex forums. They are loaded with experts
discussing the technical aspects of cars like yours, and they are always
willing to answer questions. Very helpful.

In addition, there is a web page with a bunch of "How to" instructions for
Cabbies, including removing the dash and cluster. Go to
http://dana.ucc.nau.edu/~kaw5/howto.htm

The red idiot light flashing means either that your oil pressure is too low
or that your sending unit is defective. If your car is like mine, it has the
sending unit for low oil pressure in a dual sender mounted on the driver
side of the engine head. The low oil pressure terminal on that sender is
marked WD and is the one that sends a low oil pressure signal to the idiot
(red LED) light. The other terminal is marked G and is connected to the oil
pressure gauge on the center console. Dual senders can be purchased for
around $50 from places like German Autoparts, which has a website. There are
at least two different dual senders. My car uses the one marked 0 - 5 bar,
0.3 bar, not the one marked 0-5 bar, 1.8 bar.

At idle (should be around 900 RPM on a stick shift) the oil pressure gauge
should indicate at least 1 bar. At 2000 RPM it should indicate at least 2
bar.

If you truly have low oil pressure at idle, it could be because your RPM is
too slow, low oil quantity, a bad oil pump, or worn out main bearings. It
may be improved by using a heavier oil. I use 20W-50 year-round in my
Cabbie.

AS far as the coolant light coming on, could be a defective sender as well,
a bad water pump, clogged hoses, or a combination of these things.

Before doing any significant repairs, get a Bentley Service Manual. Bentley
publishes a version for most VW vehicles, including yours. It is the best
service manual available. Don't waste your money on a Haynes or Chilton
service manual. They are not nearly as good.

Hope this helps.

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DruG - 31 Aug 2006 01:19 GMT

Thank very much Papa. The Bentley's on it's way and I'll check out that
sight.
Cheers,
-Andrew

> Congratulations on the acquisition of your Cabbie. It is truly a fun car,
> whether being worked on or when driving. I love mine, a 1988 Karmann
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> Hope this helps.

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