2001 Jetta Sensor Problems?

[jettaowner]

I own a 2001 Jetta, which I purchased new. One of the current problems I'm having with it is the car alarm goes off intermittently. It will go off in the middle of the night ... when I'm in my office ... you name it ... also, since the weather has turned cold, the interior light comes on intermittently (along with the warning bell) until the car is sufficiently warmed up (this could be 10-15 minutes). I'm thinking the problem may have to do with a sensor in the driver's side door. Anyone know what the problem(s) may be? Also, how would I go about fixing the problem myself? Thanks for any assistance!

[veedubmechanic]

when you open the drivers door does the light in the door come on? when you put the key in the ign and have the door open does it chime. if not its a bad door latch (also do this with the other doors)

try removing fuse 14 (real small one) i believe its for the comfort module and see if the alarm goes off overnight (you wont have power locks or alarm)

[jettaowner]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

when you open the drivers door does the light in the door come on? when you put the key in the ign and have the door open does it chime. if not its a bad door latch (also do this with the other doors)

try removing fuse 14 (real small one) i believe its for the comfort module and see if the alarm goes off overnight (you wont have power locks or alarm)

This morning the interior light did not come on when I opened the door, but the chime chimed. The only time I seem to have the problem with the interior light coming on and the chime starting up while I'm driving is when it is very cold outside. Once the car is sufficiently warm (usually within a few miles from home), the problem stops. Do you still think that it is the door latch?

Regarding the intermittent alarm issue, the alarm only goes off when the doors are locked. I've started to leave the car unlocked at night so it doesn't wake the neighbors at 2am! However, I can't always leave it unlocked at work, etc. Where is fuse 14? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to cars. Would buying a Chilton manual be a good investment?

[veedubmechanic]

it shows the fuse arrangement on the instrument pannel left side when the door is open, pull the pannel off and the fuse pannel is there and should have a fuse layout.

[chaffy24]

Are you turning the key all the way when you lock the door? with my 96, I noticed that if I didn't turn the key all the way the alarm would go off whenever it wanted even if the light was blinking and it beeped to signal that it was on.