Crisis

So, after finally receiving my new (used) tail light wiring harness for my '90 S4 and getting all the lights at the back of the car finally working, I get in the car to take if for a drive and have no life in the instrument panel, except for the turn signals indicator and the always-on ABS idiot light. No gauges working, no other idiot lights and no messages from the message center. I've checked the appropriate fuse (#39) and any others that I thought might have an influence and all are fine.

Possibility that my screwing around with the tail light wiring harnesses might have an impact? I had to splice my two old ones together to make one good one in addition to the replacement one, but this seems like a really strange side effect. I did a search and the identical issue was solved by a faulty fuse but that doesn't appear to be the case here.

I'm open to ideas and all suggestions are appreciated.

The Forgotten On

The inside of your fuse holder could possibly be corroded, but it is less likely on the later cars with spade fuses like yours.

As usual, check all of your grounds to see if they are clean and making good contact.

Also, did you disturb the ground strap at all?They get internally corroded and can cause all sorts of weird issues.

Alan

None of the above...

Change Fuse #25 - do your interior lights work? (including door switched mode?).

Alan

Crisis

Viola! Problem solved. #25 - "Diagnostic Connector, Current Pulse- Tailgate, Interior Lights" That did the trick.

Thanks a ton, Alan. You are very worthy of your "Electron Wrangler" title.