Hi there,
I'm new member here, bought 1.6 marea -98 in April this year. Mainly
everything's fine, but I have few small-ish issues, just one in this thread.

When I start up, RPM gauge stays at 0rpm. After ~3-5 minutes, it suddenly
jumps to correct rpm's but acts like maniac jumping from 0rpm to actual rpm
or it just stays at 0rpm. In Very rare cases it shows correctly. It has been
like this since April...

Any hint ?

-marsu

most likely the rpm signal wire is loose/broken.
dont know the mareas im afraid. put up what engine is fitted and someone will know

My 2.0l used to to do the same thing when I first bought it. After a few months, it only does it when it's really cold out side. I put it down to a sticky needle, 'cos it sorted itself out in the end.

z-dave said:

My 2.0l used to to do the same thing when I first bought it. After a few months, it only does it when it's really cold out side. I put it down to a sticky needle, 'cos it sorted itself out in the end.

Click to expand...

Mine does it in all temp's.:bang:

Hi and welcome to our forum

It sounds like a sensor or cable fault but could be dash connector.

Check out the wiring on the sensor first. The 1.6 engine changed in 1998 so it will be either in between the 3rd and 4th injectors or above and to the left of the first injector.

Let us know how you get on.

Hi and nice to be here. Thanks for this forum, I searched a lot and already found some tips.
But back to my rpm...
My Golf-90 didn't have basically any electronics...... so I didn't find either the sensor or wiring. Pls check the photo and mark the place where to look for. Does anyone have marea's service manual in web, would like to download?

The RPM sensor aka TDC sensor is located at the main pulley. It consist of 3-wire: 1. main 2. signal for ignitoin coil 3. signal for RPM.

Check those wires for continuity/loosen - due to heat coz the shielded wire to loose connection or short to each other!

Worst part of it, if the the wire for igniton coil signal is shorted/loose, you will unable to start the engine!

See photo below for no. 17:-

1. Fuel cut off solenoid valve (underneath)
2. Carbon Filter (underneath)
3. Lambda sensor harness (in the black plastic cover)
4. Manifold Absolute pressure sensor (MAP) (in the black
plastic cover)
5. 5A fuse for injection-ignition system (in the black plastic cover)
6. 20A fuse protecting components supply by the dual relay
(electric pump, lambda probe, injectors & fuel vapour solenoid
(in the black plastic cover)
7. Dual relay (in the black plastic cover)
8. Hose for Fuel pressure regulator
9. Air Temperature sensor
10. Stepper Motor a.k.a engine idle speed actuator
11. Throttle position sensor
12. General 30A system fuse
13. ABS - electro-hydraulic control unit
14. Injection- ignition ECU
15. Coolant Temperature Sensor (below the ignition coil)
16. Fuel pressure regulator (under the cover)
17. Timing sensor (at camshaft intake sprocket) & TDC/RPM sensor
(bottom near main pulley)

related link & some of my DIY....

http://www.italiaauto.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1183

Re: RPM gauge -> lazy

Hi,
Thanks subija&polecat.
Not anymore mad, just lazy. I found TDC sensor (I hope...) It was
"between the 3rd and 4th injectors" in a bit tricky place. I cleaned it up a bit and tested....big difficulties to start up. Once started and turned off, everything was back to normal. RPM gauge is now only lazy, once it wakes up, it stays awake and shows correctly. I'm happier with this and I'll just now see what happens before doing anything more.

Just to be sure; TDC was the white plastic piece with 3 wires. How is it fitted, I mean it looks a bit loose to me ? any photo of it ? Consists of many parts? Thanks,

-marsu