Odd electrical problem?

Hello,

I've searched through the Jetta forum to make sure I'm not replicating a question and wasting people's time.

Here is the problem:

2001 Jetta, GLS VR6. When I activate the turn signal, right or left, the signal will blink at an irregular interval and then die. What I mean by this is - you know how there is that little 1/2 second pause between blinks? It will be irregular - like 1/2, 1/4, 1/2, 1/2, 1/4 - and then dies. The little "click" that goes along with a blink follows this same weird interval. Also note that this interval is not fixed...its random. Somtimes the light will blink for a while, sometimes it will blink once and die.

I've looked at the fuses, all are socketed properly and not blown. I've looked at all 6 lights closely, and they are working and appear to be shining with the same intensity.

I'm not an expert, but I think the problem is either the 1)electrical system or 2)the timing mechanism that controls the blinking has crapped out.

Does anyone have any advice? If I could fix this myself it would be fantastic.

Thanks

hey dont feel to bad...all the air bags on the right side of my 2003 jetta deployed because of a faulty sensor...( rolls eyes )

Try the turning signal relay. I know that they go out every once and a while, but your simptoms are unique. You should be able to get a new one at you local parts store. I would also ask them see if they knew what it could be.

that is your turn signal switch i just fixed one of those in my shop last week

I have read the responses to your problem. Sorry, everyone is wrong, but good input. The problem is your emergency flasher switch. Unfortunately VW uses the flasher switch as the control module for turn signals. I have seen this many times, I am a VW Technician. Replace the Emergency Flasher Switch and the problem will go away.

Has fixing the emergency flasher switch worked?

I am having the same problem with my 1.8T.

How hard is it to do?


Thanks!

The switch just pops out. unplug it and plug in the new switch

The switch just pops out. unplug it and plug in the new switch
I am having the same problem. Can you tell me where the switch is lacated?
thak you

emergency flasher switch is ur hazards

How exactly does the switch just pop out. Do you have to do something special to make it pop out?

i just popped it out with a screwdriver, it came out really easy.

Has anyone tried this and fixed the problem?
Would anyone know how much a new switch would cost?

I have a 97 Jetta with a similar problem. My blinkers were making the irregular noises, then all 4 blinkers just quit working. Fuses and bulbs appear to be fine, I replaced the Emergency flasher relay, still no blinkers. There is less than 50k on my engine, is this something that should fail so soon? Where do I go next?

**FIXED**
My husband took the plastic red hazard switch apart on the top of the stearing wheel and found something wasn't connecting properly. Now blinkers work fine.

I've got the same problem . . . and bought the switch. Does the switch pop directly out or do you need to remove the little grill over the air vents and switch first? I pried on the grill a little and it came up some but didn't seem to want to come free. If removing the grill is correct . . . are there any tabs or parts that must be disengaged to prevent breakage or do I just pry until it comes out?

Vent??? Mine was a problem with the hazard switch. The actual switch you press to get your hazards to turn on. It popped right off with a screwdriver.

I am having the same problem with my 2001 Jetta. I had the sporadic flashing for a few days and now it will not work at all, unless I manually activate the arm for each click. VERY annoying. Has anyone had this repaired at a VW dealer, if so, what were you charged??

I am having the same problem with my 2001 Jetta. I had the sporadic flashing for a few days and now it will not work at all, unless I manually activate the arm for each click. VERY annoying. Has anyone had this repaired at a VW dealer, if so, what were you charged??

FIXED: I had the same problem the other day with my 2001 Jetta and found this thread in this forum. Went ahead and bought the Emergency Flasher switch from a VW dealer for $30 (with tax), used a screw driver to just pop out the existing hazard switch (no need to remove the vent), plugged the new on right in and I am back in business. Everything works great. Thanks a bunch to everyone who shared their experience on here. It saved me atleast about $50 by not going to the dealer.

I just had this problem fixed in my '01 Jetta at a dealership for about $80.

I also called VW to complain. I don't know what it takes to start a recall campaign, but from the sounds of it, it's a fairly common occurance, and a proper working signal is a serious safety issue in my book.

Calling VW probably won't help much. If enough people complain to NHTSA they can force a recall.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

No kidding. I gotta thank all of you cuz I was puzzled myself for a while but didn't want to get reemed by a dealer. Turns out swapping the old hazard switch with a new one solved the problem and it barely took all of 2 minutes to do it!!! Total cost savings, $100!!! Thanks again folks....

I'm guessing my problem falls into the same category as these others, but I'll run it by you all just in case there's some crucial difference I'm missing.

My turn signals work just fine. The problem comes when I flip the turn signal off, at which point the clicking noise that accompanies the blinking of the signal continues. The flasher itself isn't on, just the clicking noise. Sometimes it will come on while I'm driving for no particular reason, whether I've activated the signal or not.

I drive a 2002 TDI. Suggestions? Should I just try replacing the hazard switch like everybody else in this thread?

Russ

My car has the same problem. I changed the hazzard relay with a new one and I still have the same problem. I`m lokking to fix this problem for weeks. I can`t stand it.

Where is the switch located?

I've got the same problem . . . and bought the switch. Does the switch pop directly out or do you need to remove the little grill over the air vents and switch first? I pried on the grill a little and it came up some but didn't seem to want to come free. If removing the grill is correct . . . are there any tabs or parts that must be disengaged to prevent breakage or do I just pry until it comes out?


Just pry a little more.

There is even a easier way to change the replay. Take out the cup holder using two screw drivers and pry on both sides at the same time where the metals components are located and pull the cupholder towards you. The put your arm in the space where the cupholder used to be and you should be able to feel the back of the replay. Then just simply push it and it should pop out.

There is a recall for this now... its called the VX recall and they replace the flasher switch on 99-03 golf, jetta