My car is not getting a lot of use, and is stored in an unheated garage. In the recent past, I have noticed some rare oddities such as half the idiot lights remaining lit after starting. Restarted and the lights went off. Not a biggy, but something new today with a longer list of symptoms.

Started car 4 times and drove about 15 miles each time. On 1st and 3rd trips, the following did not work:
~ fuel gauge
~ tachometer
~ speedometer
~ dash tranny "arrow"
~ odometer (LCD displayed, but did not advance)
~ trip computer not displayed (temp, mileage, miles remaining, etc)

Any tips where to begin/cause? I noticed an odd short duration (2 seconds?) hum in the dash when starting recently.

Thanks!
Don
'98 S70T 59K
'05 V702.5T 61K and getting more use now. I like this car.

When you stop using the car, all sorts of strange things start happening. I suspect that one of your ground wires corroded and is no longer working as designed.

Check the battery wires first. It is easiest. Then start checking the grounds inside of the cabin.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

I hope Klaus is right but your symptoms are almost exactly what happened to me as my ABS module began its final death spiral at around 119K. If your ABS module is failing and this "S" and V" series is known for it, you'll see problems in all these things except the odometer which remains true. If you have any skill , you can replace this module yourself in under an hour. You may need to know your VIN before buying another module. I'm not an endorser type but ipdusa.com can sell you a specific module. The dealership will tear the shirt off your back but you're certain to get the module that matches if you don't mind paying for that certainty. If it's a ground wire, disregard this note and have a good week

Well, this isn't good news Klaus. I was hoping for something like "your gezeldadefunken is bad".

I did notice some corrosion on the battery terminals. Then I closed the hood and started driving the car (oops). Also, the car wouldn't start a few weeks back, and I put my trickle charger on (the reason I've been under the hood). Yep, sounds like a good place to start.

Thanks Klaus.

I forgot, check the engine bay for rodent evidence. Chipmonks love all of the nooks and crannys, and chew everything in sight.

I am sorry to hear you like the newer car better than the 1998. There have been complaints that the 'new' seats are not as comfortable. I just dislike the inside rearview mirror, it is too far forward and blocks my vision.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Klaus,

I have rodents and rodent damage on the property and in my vehicles. I'll keep this in mind. Did you see the other reply about the ABS module being possibly related?

You were the one who encouraged me to give the V70 a chance, remember? Sore elbow in the door panel, seats, foot getting stuck on bezel above the pedals. I have gotten used to most these things, though my elbow still gets sore. It came to the end of the three year transferable CPO warranty (only $30 fee to transfer it), and I made the decision to it was a keeper.

I bought the S70 mostly for the seats, but the turbo also. I floored it yesterday to pass 4 cars doing 40 on a twisty 50 mph road. I rarely light it up, but that thing flies (IPD chip).

The only thing I dislike about the drivetrain in both cars is they lug a bit before upshifting. There are a lot of hills here. Flooring the light pressure turbo is nowhere near as satisfying as the turbo.

Don

I read almost every post and reply and I did see the ABS one. That is not your problem, yet. It depends on where the mice were chewing? Because the car works 50% of the time, I still think it is a corrosion problem at the battery. Clean the copper contacts and let them shine.

Strange, I have size 15s and have very few problems with the pedals. Sometimes my tivas get stuck on the brake (right foot) or hit both the brake and the gas. And, yes, the elbow gets sore after 8-10 hours, but I learned to move it once in a while.

The T5 is a nice car, especially chipped with 300lbs of torque! My 98 R only has stock parts, but makes passing a breeze also.

Drive the 98 a few times after you clean the posts and terminals. At least 30 minutes at one time so the battery and oils get nice and warm. It might come back to life! Poor neglected car :>)

Merry Christmas,

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.