'95 Golf GL -- instrument cluster light

Take out the speedo cluster and change the bulbs, but don't run them at full power.

Why not full power?

thanks, tf

In the US, the DRL's seemed to be a last minute change. The IP lights were run at full power instead of 1/2 power like on later models. This weaked the bulb sockets, causing them to loosen and lose electrical contact. Sometimes bending the contacts in the sockets restored contact, at least for awhile.

There was a service bulletin that specified installing a 'ballast' resistor to drop the voltage while the DRL's were operating. I think this was fixed in the late '95 or early '96 models.

In any case, you really don't want them on full bright anyway in most cases. Messes up your night vision. I run mine just enough to see the gages. Never had to replace a bulb or tweak a socket.

Mark '95 Jetta GLS

When running those illumination bulbs at full power they run hotter and are more likely to melt the plastic around them. Then they may lose their electrical contact = no light. 8^)

I think I retained this info from one of Lost In Space's posts and am just spreading the word. ;-)

yep, that's it. The replacement switch unless changed no longer turns the dash/parking lights on when in DRL mode. But then again if your bulbs only lasted about 13 years... don't worry, be happy.. and just replace the bulbs.