Chuck wrote:

>Subject: Dead Odometer
>
>Both the odometer and the trip meter have stopped working. All of the other
>gauges are fine. The van has about 105,000 miles on it. What might be the
>problem.
>Thanks In Advance
>Chuck Anderson

Chuck, it is quite possible that a small gear and shaft combo has just
slipped out of alignment inside the spedo unit.  For a Sunday mechanic, it's
an easy fix.  Here are some directions from Joel Walker that I used to fix
mine... ALSO after you fix it, NEVER NEVER NEVER hit the trip reset while
the Van is moving (even the slightest bit) this is know to cause the problem
and or break the gear.

Coyote should post this fix on his excellent Vanagon web site. (IMHO)
---------------

Start with the dash...the worst part is getting the
instrument cluster out ... pull the cover off (two
hand-grips on the rear/windshield end: pull up and toward
you (sitting in the driver's seat); more up than toward),
then four screws (one at each corner; you'll have to remove
the headlight switch and the other switches to get to the
front two screws; the switch are just held in by "clips":
squeese the clips together and pull/wiggle the switch out
backwards).

then you can disconnect the speedometer cable, and the brake
reservoir low-level-warning-light wire, and the big
multi-pin connector (on the bottom, kinda under the
instruments). and if you have cruise control, there's
another wire that goes to the back of the speedo unit.

so now you've got this big black plastic instrument cluster
thingie sitting in your lap. on the back of the speedo,
there are four more screws. take those out and the speedo
head comes out. that L-shaped circuit board is your oil
pressure system (that turns on the warning light), so don't
mess with it. you should be able to see what's not working
with the odometer at this point. be VERY careful of the
needle ... it's very easy to bend/break!!!!

if it's a shaft that's pulled itself out of its support, or
the support that's broken, you might be able to fix it.
maybe. otherwise, it's "hello, dealer?" ... i recommend
1-800-876-5199 ... that's Camelback vw in phoenix, az ...
they take credit cards and stay open late (for me, i'm in
the southeast). ask for Mike Lewis or Hermann or Bill.

good luck!
Steve