gf261

Out of town and away from my factory repair manuals. I changed the bulb in my interior light that is in the hatch headliner. I also, changed my steering wheel for one that was in much better shape. Everything went well with both projects, but now I have no digital readout on my dash, no dash lights, no power mirrors, no speedo, tach, oil pressure etc on the dash. Any suggestions? Also, the door courtesy lights and interior light over the rear view mirror are out. Thanks in advance for any and all help. I have that "its my first child being born" feeling in the pit of my stomach.....

heinrich

did you check all fuses?

gf261

Just about to. Friends car was parked in the garage and its raining outside. I forgot one other thing that I did as well. I tightened the allen bolts that hold the tripmeter/fuel mileage/ every other function arm on. I am about to check fuses now, I just wanted to see if anyone else had any idea if I had touched something that I shouldn't have. Also forgot, the hatch release is dead as well. I did however get a great fix out of the archives. My hatch wouldn't release and someone had posted a fix that involved wire ties around the actuator that releases the upper latch. Worked like a charm. Update on the fuses shortly. Thanks!

Marc Schwager

What's your year/model? What city are you in, you may be close to a set of WSMs?

heinrich

Check fuses. Sounds like possible ground loss though.

Randy V

Model year? (enter it into your forum signature block).

gf261

89' auto. Heinrich, if it is a ground loss, where would I start on that one?

heinrich

In the fusebox



And then, after that, check your main ground points in the engine bay.

gf261

All fuses good. Checking grounds now.

heinrich

Can't remember where but there is a ground or two under the dash also. Others? Chime in.

gf261

Okay, idiot question again....Both of the two grounds located above the fusebox are tight. Where are the ones located in the engine bay. I looked...are they hiding somewhere?

heinrich

Dude I don't know where they all are, you need the service manual or someone more knowledgeable than me. However I recall seeing at least one from under the car.

gf261

Every little bit helps. I will take another look, just thought you might have an idea on the biggies. It cranks and runs fine, just hate doing without all the instruments until I get back home.

Robert_H

I have an '89 S4 and suffered the same thing while on a drive with 928 NorCal. Bill Ball was on the drive as well and remembered reading on this forum about the circuit to the instruments going through the interior lights. While tapping on the lights, he discovered the bulb/light above the rear-view mirror was broken and causing a short. Took out a screwdriver and popped the light out and pulled the wires apart so that they were no longer touching each other. Replaced the fuse to that light and then the instrument panel worked like a charm. I was very glad to have Bill there.

Give that a shot.

gf261

Thanks Rob, will do. Now I have some dash lights, but all of the warning lights (red) on each guage are on! I also have a very audible whine coming from underneath the right rear. Sounds like it is coming from the fuel tank almost. Fuel pump maybe? Just what I need!