Make sure your glow plug light is coming on. Once it is off, turn off the key, and make the glow plugs start over - then, count to 15, and try starting it.
Dash lights is most likely the dimmer switch - pushing, resets the trip odo...turning it, is supposed to brighten or dim the dash lights. The odo is another common item, that is not too hard to fix. Do a search for odometer repair in the Diesel section...there ought to be a link to a page that has hints and pictures. If not, you can probably figure out the trouble by looking at odometer contraption, and fix it with a spot of superglue.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D