Are there any clocks from other VWs that work?
I believe this is a problem with 96-98 years - the first with non mechanical speedometers.

the first t4's with non-mecanical clusters, they were in Corrado & Passat cars from ~'89-90.

the problem with fitting a car cluster is compatability, theres several diferent 'basic' types before adding 'extras' like revcounter & MFA display.
so, first problem is tacometer signal, this runs the oil-pressure warning light system in the cluster.

t4's with the mecanical diesel engines use an alternator derived signal (from the infamous 'W' terminal).
t4's with electronic engine control (2.5tdi & most petrol / fuel injection) use an ecu derrived tacometer signal.
t4's with carburettor / petrol engines use the ignition-coil for signal. (rare now as on early t4's)

cars can have;

ecu.
ignition coil.
alternator 'W' terminal.
supplying the tacometer signalI:

so, theres only a few clusters that could work with the diesel engine's wiring & then they do not have the rear-foglamp 'telltale' warning light as t4 clusters do:*

if youve a 1.9td then you need a cluster that uses the 'W' terminal signal so a B4 Passat td cluster (rare & uncommon with electronic speedo, more common with mecanical speedo)

or you can convert the t4 to the older mecanical speedo (fit cable to gearbox after removing the electronic 'hall-effect' sensor) - possibly worth looking into?

Rich.

 

Hi Rich -thanks for the info.
I've often thought about retro fitting an older one but with not finding any info on anybody doing it I thought it wasn't possible - and just buying one on the off chance isn't an option for me. I may end up sending it off to a 'repair company' - though I've heard it's all a bit hit and miss..... Cheers, Gilly

 

There is a "chip" on some of the clusters that is no longer available.
IF it is that part that is the problem, there's no cure, as no-one can buy them.

Common fault, if you read through the 1000+ posts about the cluster, is the voltage regulator.....but you have to READ through all the threads/posts until you find the same one you have. (I've read them all.....but never had the same problems...mine is just the loom that gets "tight" when the sun shines on the dash...LOL