03 GTI 1.8t electrical problems

[cyrax122]

Hello
Can someone please help

I have a 03 GTI 1.8t recently four times last month and
only @ night my electrical system acts up.headlights dim/when I turn headlight switch on wipers come on real slow etc, but the car starts right up and is drivable. When I disconnect battery for 3+ hours then reconnect everything works fine.
I called dealership and they said could be comfort control module

thanks in advance for any info.

[veedubmechanic]

have the alternator checked, common issue with 1.8t

[cyrax122]

Thank you for response

I did go to advance auto and had it checked they said everything is ok

Will Vagcom do a more thorough scan?

[cyrax122]

Bad Ground was the problem

[Great1.8]

i think im having the same problem . how did you fix it exactly?

[jaybird412]

I am also in the same boat. In NYC VW deler wants $175 just to hook up to diagnostic machine! I have a new battery and battery light just started coming on. Belts look tight, tensioner is solid. Today abs light joined the party and also the exclamation mark circled by an arrow (check engine light?). Car starts and runs fine, wipers and window were sluggish too. Alternator prob? Also a ground prob? Short in electrical sys? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Great1.8]

Try cleaning all the battery connections . Also remove the battery tray To exspose the grounds that connect to the body and clean the grounds the best you can without removing them and just wiggle them around a bit I know it sounds silly but it worked for me I also changed the fuses ontop of the battery

old trick but incase u didn't know u can use some coke to clean the the grounds and terminals

[emoreno32]

Plz Help me... I am having the same problem with slow wipers and dimming headlights.... on 03 GTI 1.8 - already checked battery and other things that were mentioned to check... did not work to fix my problem... This happens when i turn my headlight switch on, also sometimes my headlights go out at night while i am driving.... looking for someone that has had this problem but has fixed the problem.... and could possibly give me the solution to fixing this issue soon.... need car for work. work night shift need headlights....

[beardy 83]

Originally Posted by cyrax122

Hello
Can someone please help

I have a 03 GTI 1.8t recently four times last month and
only @ night my electrical system acts up.headlights dim/when I turn headlight switch on wipers come on real slow etc, but the car starts right up and is drivable. When I disconnect battery for 3+ hours then reconnect everything works fine.
I called dealership and they said could be comfort control module

thanks in advance for any info.

first take a volt reading off the batt if its reading between 13.0 / 14.5 volts under loud ie lights heater on etc the alternator is working and the batt is taking a charge id say its a bad earth check the batt earth chass 2 gear box and the starter motor earth leads id clean and tighten just 2 eliminate but if your volt reading is low then take a reading off the back of the alternator if this is higher then as long as wireing earth points r in good con then its down 2 the batt