FW: Audi 200 Speedo Fix

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

I wanted to pass along a tidbit of info I heard on the subject earlier
today.  A gentleman by the name of Les Reid contacted me about a problem
with the power windows and speedo on his 1989 200.  I thought that he was on
the list and that his message was a part of the intermittent speedo thread,
but I came to find out that he had contacted me after reading some of my
posts from the archives, and was not subbed.  I was unaware of any coupling
from the backup light fuse to the speedo circuit, so I thought this info
should get out right away.  Notice that we are talking about a speedo that
is completely dead ... it isn't clear to me that this could contribute to a
situation where the speedo was intermittent.  I have not checked the Bentley
myself to see if any other cars with electronic speedos (like the older type
44s) are susceptible either.  

Thanks again for the info Les!

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)

-----Original Message-----

And to my elation, the speedometer problem was fixed when I replaced a fuse
for the backup lights (the fuse specifically for the speedometer was always
fine).  I feel pretty stupid, I checked the fuses twice, back when I was
troubleshooting the speedometer problem, I don't know how I missed it.   I
was clued in to the problem when I noticed the backup lights were not
working and when looking at the electrical diagrams for the multi-function
temp sensor I noticed that the backup lights and one lead of the
multi-function switch shared the same circuit that had a fuse (remember I
had been working on the multi-function switch). I replaced the fuse
(thinking nothing of the speedometer) and on my way in to work this morning
my speedometer was working again.

About a month ago I took the car to the Audi dealer to have the speedometer
looked at.  They said I it needed a new speedometer (at a cost of +$500
installed).  Boy am I glad I didn't have them do this work, I bet they would
have replaced the unit, then the fuse (with nothing said to me about the
fuse), then collect my $550.

Another thing, I was planning to tear into the instrument cluster and see if
I could fix the speedometer.  Do to no free weekends (due to other
priorities) I never got to it.  I was probable going to get to it next
weekend.

Moral of the story: Never overlook the simple things, and check the simple
things at least 3 times.

Moral #2 : Procrastination pays off again.

Have a good day.

Les