Slight problem, loose connection maybe

[MrKeith 0]

Hi all, I'm having a slight problem with my VR6. I was driving along this mornng when suddenly my speedo, rev counter, petrol guage and water temp all dropped to nothing and the mfa stopped responding. Then they all switched back on again and the oil light flashed briefly. It's been an intermittent thing as I've been driving round today so I'm assuming it's a loose connection but the question is where, can anyone point me in the right direction. It's a Mk3 VR6 with an ODBII engine and i'd really appreciate any help because it's getting a bit hairy going through some of the speed cameras around here.

[xyber 1]

multi connector on the back of the dials or possibly a dodgy circuit board in the dials

[MrKeith 0]

Bugger, thought that might be the case and if it's anything like my MK2 was it'll be a bastard to get to.

[Phat VR6 3]

It could also be the muitplug down the fuse box end

[MrKeith 0]

Hmm, does anyone know of a quick way to get at these points to check? I might have to leave it til my day off on friday but if it's something that's easy to do I'll take a look when I finish work tomorrow.

[MrKeith 0]

An interesting development! I was driving along tonight when i noticed that every time the dials dropped to zero my headlights got much brighter and would dim again when the dials came back on. Could this be a power problem?

[Phat VR6 3]

Fues box side is easy. Just under the cover pannle by your feet and check all the plugs are pushed in.

Clock side if you pop all the heater vents out. remove the screws. Pop the headlight switch out and remove the screws then you can draw all the covers off and you can get to the back of the clocks that way or possibly reach up under the back of the dash (altho ive never tryed that way)

Generaly lights will get brighter if somthink stops drawing power but that sounds quite exsecive.. donno if thats highlights a problem

[MrKeith 0]

Ok I still haven't managed to track this problem down. My stereo is now being affected as well, cutting out when the dials drop off but not every time. I also noticed that the windscreen wipers go faster. Someone mentioned something to me about a voltage regulator? Personally I've got no idea where to start looking.

[blackmagicvr 7]

sounds like it could be your alternator not giving charge to the battery?

[Phat VR6 3]

that wouldn't afect your clocks tho... Plus you would have to bump start it offen

If your voltage reg on the alterntors gone then you will be blowing bulbs all the time, mainly side lights

[MrKeith 0]

No problems with blown bulbs or actually starting the car but a thought has occured, could it be the ignition system? I'm just thinking that since the stereo is wired into the ignition and obviously the dials wouldn't work either with the ignition off.

[Phat VR6 3]

ummm maybe but then you would think the lights and everythink else would stop working and the engine might cut out

have you checked all the muitplugs fuse box end? Its not hanging down abit is it? Also my fuse box got wet from a water leak. didn't cause any problems tho but somthink else to check... what have you done so far?

[MrKeith 0]

Finally got the car looked at today. Apparently the alternator has not been regulating itself properly and has been overcharging the battery. This has been causing my electrics to go haywire and the battery to overheat and boil out most of the acid which has resulted in a flat battery as well.