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Interior Electrics Stop Working After Headlight Use
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tjm426
New User
Dec 21, 2010, 11:12 AM
Post #1 of 2
(1417 views)
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Interior Electrics Stop Working After Headlight Use
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2002 VW Jetta 4 cylinder 2.0turbo
A brief description of the issue:
Very frequently (almost every time) when the headlights are turned on, I hear a clicking coming from behind the instrument panel. From here the problem spreads:
Power windows stop working
Power sunroof stops working
Hazard lights randomly blink
Car alarm goes off (allthough it makes no noise now as the alarm horn is worn out from this issue)
Interior lights flicker when turned on.
Trunk opens.
Auto lock from key button does not work
Manually locking the doors unlocks all doors
I have checked all fuses and none are blown. I have noticed the smaller fuses have some brown corrosion on them, I have since cleaned with wire brush but had no affect.
Once the headlights are off, the problems persist for a random time length. Sometimes the next time I get in my car and turn it on everything works. Other times I have to disconnect the battery.
This past weekend the issue came up again, only this time disconnecting the battery does not reset the functionality listed above.
I spoke to my regular mechanic who wants to just replace the entire wiring harness at $800 + any unknown issues they might uncover. The car has 130k miles on it, and to be honest would think a better solution would be to replace the car before dumping this kind of coin into it.
I am pretty handy when it comes to car mechanics, but I am no expert. I have done quite a bit of brakes, plugs, starters, cooling system repairs, tires, tie rods but never too much electrical.
I talked to an automotive investigator, who stated it sounds like the body control module. I have done research on this and the only thing I can think to do is buy this unit and put it in, but don't want to spend unnecessary coin.
Anyone see this behavior before?
Any tips on what to test or look for to see if I can diagnose and repair myself?
Any suggestions on how to resolve this outside of what was asked above?
Are there any other sites or forums you could point me to that could be of further assistance?
Thanks in advance!
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 22, 2010, 12:13 AM
Post #2 of 2
(1404 views)
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Re: Interior Electrics Stop Working After Headlight Use
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Honestly it sounds like you have some ground problems going on here.
The clicking you are hearing sounds like a relay. I would find out what relay is making the noise, find the circuit it controls and start with tracing those grounds...
When it's clicking, voltage drop test both sides of the relay and see what kind of drop you are getting on the control ground side..
Also take a look at a wiring diagram and see if these affected circuits are sharing any ground connections with the lights circuit, if they do, that connection would also need to be inspected.......
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