1998 Volkswagen Golf Electrical Issues

[6h0zt]

First time here, figured I'd give it a shot.

As far back as a few months ago, my car started acting funny. The emergency brake light would come on, and the the air conditioner (including the fan), windshield wipers, and headlights would turn off, but this only happened when the key was pushed all the way forward somehow. It progressively got worse, with the "iffy area" for the key becoming greater and greater. Now, the emergency brake light is perpetually dimly lit, and my headlights, windshield wipers, and air conditioner are all nonfunctional. In addition to this, the airbag light has started coming on and off at random intervals now as well.

Any idea on what it could be?

[Kylefire]

Usaully what happens in that issue is the security system for the older VW's is the Key, you'll have to either replace the Key dock for your car, or replace your security computer, Mine went and costed about $2000 but when it blew it was having issues like random dash lights coming on and so forth, my cars a 1999 and well after the security system blew nothing electrical would work, course when you hear a high pich sound theres a idea its your computer, I read up on VW's and our cars don't have the greatest computer modules.

[JackDaniels386]

sounds like a bad ignition switch. try replacing it, not the lock cylinder, but the electrical part.

[veedubmechanic]

yea replace the ignition switch electrical portion