Rev needle issue

[Mrk_Mickey]

The rev needle in my cluster began working only intermittently a while ago and has decided not to move at all in a little while. I've been trying to work out what it could be and I'm stuck. When the needle doesn't work, the oil pressure light flashes as if to say there is no pressure, despite the car working just fine. Here are a few more observations:

The speed sensor was replaced not long ago, and worked fine - upon inspection of the sensor and its wire, it looks to be absolutely fine.

The speed sensor wire that goes into the ecu had to be sliced into to accomodate wiring for the Schrick; this has been checked to have no problems.

I once plugged the holes that the pvc pipe plugged into (in the air intake, with the other end plugged into the metal tube on the rocker cover) with newspaper as I noticed an air leak, and this allowed the revs to work for three or so days properly until it started to die down again.


I am absolutely dumbfounded with this problem and am sick of worrying about a flashing oil light. Is there something I've missed in my diagnosis, or something someone can suggest I take a look at?

[Lorenz]

Tried hooking up a VAGCOM to see what errors come back?
Be the first place I would start

[Golf Loon]

Oil pressure light.

Could be plugged into the wrong sensor, wrong sensor could be fitted, they are colour coded, or sensor could have a crack in it and a small oil leak. All very common on VR6s. There are 3 sensors down on the oil cooler, check they are not leaking and plugged in, you need to peel back the rubber boots.

VAG Com wont tell you much on a VR6. Old Skool diagnosis and knowledge goes much further.

If its just rev counter and falshing light, with no actual problems with the car, it will be an earth problem on the cluster or one of the earth points.

You should remove the shrick wiring and see if that fixes the problem, is probably earthing out through there.

[Mrk_Mickey]

I flushed the engine oil and replaced it and the filter, and the revs have worked since. Thanks for the words of advice; will note for later occurrences.

[Golf Loon]

Thorough Regular servicing is the answer.
I use a good mineral oil for a VR6, genuine filter and an engine flush before every oil change.

Glad you sorted it out.