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98 VW Lights turn off while driving
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ask33
New User
Oct 26, 2010, 10:58 AM
Post #1 of 3
(1453 views)
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98 VW Lights turn off while driving
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Used 1998 VW Cabrio GLS (convertible)
105k miles
Car recently got a new battery and had the alternator checked with everything turning out fine.
Initial problem: start car, put down electric top, drive less than 30 seconds, turn off car, battery dead and car won't start again. Proposed solution: putting top up or down drains the battery so I need to drive for a while after putting it up or down.
Second problem: tried to use AC for first time, drove around at least 2 miles, turned off car, and car had a very hard time starting (but did eventually). Solution: don't use the AC.
Most recent problem: Start car and turn on head lights, begin driving, hear a click in front of the steering wheel in the dash (fuse box?), head lights turn off completely and the ABS and E-brake lights come on on the dash. Lights stay off for 3-5 seconds and then turn back on. During the drive this happens 1-5 times, usually with the lights staying off for only a few seconds and always turning back on. Each time the lights turn off there is a click and the two lights come on the dash. If I turn the head lights off when this happens, then the running lights immediately come on. If I then turn the head lights back on again, then they come back on more quickly than if I wait for them to come on by themselves.
Thoughts? Do you think all these electrical problems are related? Initially, I assumed the head light issue might be fuse related. Now I'm thinking there could be a more involved electrical wiring problem.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Oct 26, 2010, 8:35 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1446 views)
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Re: 98 VW Lights turn off while driving
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"Now I'm thinking there could be a more involved electrical wiring problem"
I think your right. Look for chaffed,pinched or melted wiring . Beyond that , german electrcal problems can be to much for the diy'er.IMO We will help as much as poss but you have to be our eyes .
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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ask33
New User
Nov 10, 2010, 11:56 AM
Post #3 of 3
(1424 views)
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Re: 98 VW Lights turn off while driving
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Majority of the problems were associated with a faulty ignition switch, which I just replaced ($79 for the part) and now everything runs great! (Knock on wood) Apparently this is a very common problem.
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