VDO Gauge Panel was dead today. SOLVED

rpengr · **Posted:** Sat Feb 08, 2014 10:29 pm

I took out the Horizon for the first time this year, and the VDO instrument cluster showed no signs of life. Engine ran fine, and trim worked fine. The cluster worked fine a few weeks ago when I ran the engine on the muffs.

All other console switches and horn worked fine. Checked all fuses in the fuse block under the console. Checked main breakers on the engine. Disconnected and reconnected harness at the engine...contacts were clean.

Ideas on what to check next?

Thanks,
Ray

LouC · **Posted:** Sun Feb 09, 2014 12:16 am

I recall reading that one of the problems with the VDO cluster is bad grounds, see if you can find where it is supposed to be grounded.

Graham R · **Posted:** Sun Feb 09, 2014 5:24 am

I'd check the multi pin connector on the cluster harness, to make sure the two halves haven't come apart. It's behind the cluster.

I've got copies of the manual and installation/ troubleshooting guide for the 2000 cluster, let me know if you want me to send you a copy.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Sun Feb 09, 2014 2:03 pm

Well known ground issue in the VDO. Surface Interval posted a link to a company that fixes it here: http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12620

rpengr · **Posted:** Sun Feb 09, 2014 7:02 pm

Thanks everyone.

I went out today and looked for more connectors to pull apart and reconnect. I found another 5amp fuse that was in-line (not if the fuse block). I switched it with the 5 amp fuse for the radio and now the panel works!

Dodged a bullet there.

Now, can anyone tell me why my radio doesn't work? lol

Graham R · **Posted:** Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:04 am

Good, I'm glad it's sorted. Out of interest, I had a look: the CDI Electronics service manual (from 2008) shows that in-line 5A fuse , the VDO date sheet from 2000 did not ! That red/ purple wire with the 5A fuse is the direct +12V from the battery switch, there's another in-line fuse, a 3A one in the (purple wire) +12V supply from the ignition switch.

rpengr · **Posted:** Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:58 pm

Graham R wrote:

Good, I'm glad it's sorted. Out of interest, I had a look: the CDI Electronics service manual (from 2008) shows that in-line 5A fuse , the VDO date sheet from 2000 did not ! That red/ purple wire with the 5A fuse is the direct +12V from the battery switch, there's another in-line fuse, a 3A one in the (purple wire) +12V supply from the ignition switch.

That's interesting. Next time I am under the panel, I will look at which colors the wires were. I am thinking that my 5A fuse was in the purple from the ignition switch, but I'm not sure.

I had taken the boat out on a lake for an hour that day without the panel working. Very creepy to have absolutely no gauges. So glad it's back up and working.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:39 pm

Took the boat out Sunday, and the VDO panel worked perfectly. Every thing else too.

Beautiful day, other than a rain shower while we were in the restaurant eating. Sorry, didn't take any pictures.

www.iFourWinns.com

VDO Gauge Panel was dead today. SOLVED

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