Instrument Repair: Can It Be Fixed?

Since I haven't found anything suitable even with the search function, I would appreciate it if the experts among you could provide an answer and possibly some tips.

Problem: Complete failure of the pointer-type instruments on the instrument cluster in my Passat TDI estate, manufactured in December 1995, 66kW, 1.9L engine, chassis number: 0600.

The two digital displays (not MFA), namely the clock and the odometer, are visible and functional.
All the gauges are showing incorrect readings: the tachometer is outside the normal range between 0 and maximum (i.e., in the middle at the bottom), the speedometer is showing 220, the temperature gauge is in the middle, and the fuel gauge is at the left extreme, regardless of whether the ignition is on or off. Removing the gauges and testing the cables/connectors, as well as tapping on them, did not reveal any loose connections.
Unfortunately, opening it will likely damage the seals, and according to the workshop, I won't be able to get a replacement instrument cluster ('exchange') if that happens. So, opening it should be carefully considered! (The price difference between an exchange unit and a new one is approximately EUR 200).

Therefore, the question to the experts here in the forum is:
Are there any common failure points (e.g., poor solder joints, diodes, voltage regulators, etc.) that can typically be repaired by oneself? I have experience in electronics and soldering.
Are spare parts even available? It's possible that company-specific components are used, which are only available from the manufacturer of the AI system, and therefore a repair would be impossible from the outset.
I would be grateful for any experiences or tips you might have on this topic. Alternatively, if anyone could create a suitable and functional AI for a fair price, I would also appreciate it.
Thank you in advance, and greetings from southern Lower Saxony.
Friend.

'I experienced something similar in my old 1Z instrument cluster in my Passat. However, the displays for the coolant temperature and power output remained at 0, while the overheat/overload indicator for the power output blinked, and the instrument cluster illumination stayed off. In my case, it was due to cold solder joints near the connectors and on the rest of the circuit board. I resoldered them, and it's been working perfectly ever since.'

'However, I can't say for sure if it's the same for you. I'm surprised by the gauges on the instruments, which seem to be all over the place.'

amigo wrote:

(Price difference between used and new, approximately EUR 200).

While I can't offer much advice on your specific problem, used speedometers, especially those without a Multifunction Display (MFA), should be available for significantly less than 100 euros (on the largest online auction site, Ebäh). Therefore, I wouldn't worry too much and would simply open the instrument cluster and look for KaLö's.

Regards,
Guste.

Hi.

I had a similar problem with my old Passat, although it only occurred sporadically.
The deflection of the pointers was influenced by the instrument lighting.
At the time, VW simply said that the part needed to be replaced. However, since that was too expensive for me, I spent a Sunday working on it myself.
Obviously, there was nothing to be seen at the solder joints. Also, neither wiggling or tapping the connector nor the circuit board could trigger the error.
Only when the device was installed or the plug was inserted did the error suddenly reappear.
So, I resoldered all the solder joints of the connector, and that solved the problem.

'...but used speedometers, especially those without the Multifunction Display (MFA), should be available for significantly less than 100 euros (on the largest online auction site, Ebäh).'

Thank you for the previous feedback, but as a response to 'guste': Unfortunately, no!

I've also been searching on -iiiBäää- since Christmas.
war nur einmal das passende KI dabei, für mehr als EUR 140,-- ! Crazy!
Then I could also add another EUR 60 and get a new one.

But we shouldn't give up hope; perhaps someone else has already successfully solved the same problem and will share their knowledge with me/us.

Greetings, friend.