re Dash Lights

["Smith, Kirby A" <kirby.a.smith@lmco.com>]

Bob D' asked:

Anyone have an idea why the instrument lights would suddenly stop
functioning on an 89 90 quattro (10V)? Any info appreciated... thanks!
+++++

If they are truly all dead, then first check that power is available at the
proper pins of the connectors.  Then check the rheostat.  Very likely you
have a trace break, although in my experience these cause partial failure.
Both power to the lights, as well as the ground return are candidates for
trace failure.  I assume whatever fuse is pertinent is functioning.

Kirby A. Smith   New Hampshire USA
1988 90q Titanium gray, 180 kmi
1988 90q Stone gray, 185 kmi 
1988 90q Stone gray, 180 kmi - parts car
1995 S6 Pearl effect, 80 kmi