The Multi-Function Display, or MFA, is an essential on-board computer for many Volkswagen Jetta owners. MFA is the acronym for the German words "Mehrfach Funktion Anzeige," which translates pretty much to "Multi-Function Display." It's the small on-board computer that gives you some basic information via an LCD screen at the bottom of the clock. However, not all models had this feature.
Operating the MFA system is straightforward. Switching between the various displays is done via the MFA button located on the end of the right-hand stalk. Additionally, there is a separate switch that changes the display between position 1 (data for this trip) and position 2 (data accumulated since the last reset).
MFA Display Modes Explained
The MFA provides drivers with a range of useful information, helping them monitor various aspects of their vehicle's performance and environment. The standard displays include:
- Clock: This is the default display mode, showing the current time.
- Minutes Running: Displays the elapsed time, either for the current trip (Position 1) or since the last reset (Position 2).
- Distance: Shows the distance traveled, either for the current trip (Position 1) or since the last reset (Position 2).
- MPG (Miles Per Gallon): Indicates the vehicle's fuel efficiency, for the current trip (Position 1) or since the last reset (Position 2).
- Oil Temperature: Provides the current engine oil temperature, a crucial metric for engine health.
- Outside Ambient Temperature: Displays the current temperature outside the vehicle, useful for anticipating driving conditions.
For models that did not come equipped with the MFA, the dashboard layout was simpler. In these vehicles, there was either a blank area alongside a large analogue clock, or if a rev counter was fitted, a basic clock occupied this position.
Evolution of MFA Control Stalks and Advanced Functions
The functionality and features of the MFA system are closely tied to the evolution of the control stalks within the vehicle. Over the lifetime of the MK2 Golf platform (which includes the Jetta), there are 3 types of stalk. Therefore, getting the right year is important if you need to replace them.
Significant changes to the stalks occurred during the vehicle's production run. The stalks changed from the Mk1 style in late 1987 when the first face lift occurred, which also introduced larger windows. With the introduction of the squarer style stalks, there are also some additional 'secret' functions of the MFA which can return additional information stored in the ECU. It's important to note that earlier cars often didn't even have an ECU.
Volkswagen How-To: Functions within your Multi-Function Indicator (MFI)
Further developments took place in late 1989 when the CE2 (2nd generation Central Electrics) fuse-box and wire-loom was introduced. Although visually the same, the later stalks are specific to this wiring. The two CE1 examples can be interchanged, but doing so also requires the steering column cowl to be changed, and using the wrong stalks in the wrong era car looks out of place, both aesthetically and functionally.
