electrical problems 97' jetta GLS

Does anyone know what could be causing my headlights, AC and windshield wipers to stop working sporatically? I have a 97' jetta GLS manual. When I turn my car on and put down the handbrake the headlights are supposed to come on and sometimes they do and then sometimes when I'm riding down the road they just shut off. It kinda sucks when I'm driving at night...Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Oh, when the lights go out my brake light on my dash kinda dims on a little. In order for me to get the lights back on I have to hold or turn the key. Sometimes I have to turn the car off and then turn it back on, as well.

Just a hunch. It might be the ignition switch. I had simular prob everytime I turned my key. It was still under warantee then and the dealer concluded that it was the ignition switch.

I agree with edward. I have seen this many times in the dealership I work at. The electronic portion of the ignition system goes bad and the symptoms you describe happens. Check with your local VW dealer, there was a recall on this and your car might be a part of it and the repair would cost you nothing.

I'm having the same problem with my 97 jetta gls.

Do you know what the recall number is to get it fixed?
For Canada ?
For the states ?

I'm finding I have to drive around with my high beams on so I can get the wipers, rear defogger, heating, etc. working on the car and the headlights won't go on.

How much does an ignition switch go for ?
What are the steps required to install it ?

Yes, ignitions switch would be one check. Also, check the hand brake. does it actually go all the way down, when you release it, or does it kinda hover, (can you push it down more after you let go?) there is a switch under it, that when depressed turns off the brake light on the dash. If it doesn't go down all the way, or is partially down, it will bounce and tap the (push) switch, causing the light to blink. this is caused by e-brake cables that aren't properly adjusted. also, if there is a short at that switch, sometimes the power lead to it touches the body of the car or any metal down there, it will cause small shorts and blink random lights on the car. head lights, tail lights, blinkers, dash you name it.. whereever it decides to send the current. this would also cause for your headlights to turn on and off, cause the car will think you are constantly applying the e-brake. but if in gear, it shouldn't matter. hmmm.

oh also check www.alldatadiy.com this site has recall info on it for every car. it will list all recalls big and small. also, if you pay for an account, it will give you full (mechanics' style) diagnostics and troubleshooting info. better than and bently or hayes book ever will.. check it out.

I have a 96 Jetta GL that started having the same trouble. It is intermittent but it is getting worse. It happened again last night and I tapped the side of the emergency brake release handle and everything started working OK again. I am certain that "termitesgraffix" is correct and there is a short occurring with the wires associated with the switch under the emergency brake handle.