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[TVRV8S]

Hi everyone. I've been on these forums before but can't remember my old login.

I suddenly had a problem today (2.2 DTi Omega Saloon 2001, 193,000 miles) which I hope someone can shed some light on before I take it to a garage.

While driving today, I noticed the left indicator stalk started making a constant buzz noise when it is pushed down (in order to indicate) and the indicator light does not flash front or rear.

Later in the day, my speedo started jumping around (and continues to do so) and my fuel gauge registers completely empty (although with no warning light). These were both working fine while the indicator was making noises, so they didn't all happen at once.

Furthermore, there is no longer any Range displayed on the LCD screen. Instead it says "F   miles".

Having had no problem previously, I am assuming a fuse or earth problem but I'm not a mechanic so it's difficult to know where to start. I've just spent an hour googling but every speedo problem seems to accompany an ABS and TC light on, and mine are not on. I have not managed to check the fuses yet as only just got back in.

One possible clue was I bought a sat nav and used it this morning - could there be a short behind the cigarette lighter socket that would cause these symptoms?

Any things to check (in layman's language) would be GREATLY appreciated as I really don't need a big garage bill at the moment.

Many thanks,

Graham

[TVRV8S]

Just out of interest, all my dash lights come on and turn off ok including ABS and TC. Also, my rev counter works absolutely fine.

[TheBoy]

Firstly, press on the rev counter, and firmly press back, to see if the dash reseats in its connector.

Beyond that, check Kevin Woods battery charging guide in Maintenance Guides section, as blown regs can cause all sorts of weirdness.

[TVRV8S]

Hi there,

I assume I need to remove the perspex in front of the dials to try this? I have an Elite - not sure if other models don't have the perspex. I can't see a way of removing it, and Google doesn't help me. Any tips?

With the regulator, I guess I need to check that the alternator is not overcharging the battery.

Thanks for replying.

[TVRV8S]

I've checked all the fuses under the steering wheel and they all seem fine.

[Andy H]

Hi there,

I assume I need to remove the perspex in front of the dials to try this? I have an Elite - not sure if other models don't have the perspex. I can't see a way of removing it, and Google doesn't help me. Any tips?

With the regulator, I guess I need to check that the alternator is not overcharging the battery.

Thanks for replying.

No need to pull anything apart - The electrical connector for the instrument cluster is behind the left end of the cluster -  you want to make sure it is fully plugged in and give it a bit of a wiggle to improve the electrical connection.

[TVRV8S]

When we press on the perspex (and thus cluster) it doesn't move at all, and hasn't fixed anything. Thanks for the suggestion.

Any other ideas?

Things always go wrong over a bank holiday!

[TheBoy]

OK, check the voltage with it running

[TheBoy]

Doh, battery voltage I meant, obviously