electrical problems

'94 Passat GLX automatic

The problem is intermittent but has been increasing in frequency and duration. The problem first appeared shortly after I replaced the battery last month.

Every once-in-a-while, when I start the car the 'Brake (!)' and 'ABS' lights will come on and refuse to go off for up to 10min. During this time the fan does not work, the windshield wipers don't work, the fog lights don't work, and braking at anything over 40mph becomes almost impossible (pedal stops about a 1/4 of the way down). After driving like this for a while, all of a sudden, everything will start working again.

Restarting the car does not seem to fix the problem.

Any ideas as to the what is causing this and how I could fix it?

sounds like a possible ignition switch problem.

Thanks, I jiggled some of the relays (esp. the #18) and the problem seems to be gone for now.