Electric issues

[steady jay]

Hi all, I have a 1997 1.8t it's developed 2 problems not sure if they're connected but worth asking. My entire dash gradually dies over a couple of seconds then springs back to life, it intermittent could happen every day or once a week, the other issue is once the car up to normal temp if I turn it off and try to restart it'll be really reluctant. Any thoughts would be hugely appreciated

 

[Oranoco]

First problem I would whip the plastic engine cover off and check the earth on the engine for the coil packs. Mine did exactly this and I found the bolt had worked loose and come away causing some random issues with the dials and an annoying whine at 3krpm through the stereo.

 

[aragorn]

perhaps coolant sensor for the bad hot-starting?

 

[steady jay]

Cheers lads I'll crack out the tools tomorrow.