96 Passat Electrical problems Help!

[glkirk]

I have a 96 Passat v6. The number 21 fuse wont hold a fuse. The headlights come on with the switch in the off position, even with the ignition in the off position.The running lights, along with the licence light and dash lights wont go off period! The dig. clock resets itself everytime the car is started, The sunroof and interior lights do dot work.
I have spent 2 full days on this car. Does anyone have any thoughts. I sespect that there is just one thing (prolly a component) that needs replacing. Can someone please help me asap. Thanks Gary

[glkirk]

Is there an email list or group that I can possibly get some help troubleshooting my Passat?
Thank you, Gary

[glkirk]

My email is [email protected]

[glkirk]

Well! After taking the rest of the car apart, I think I found most of my problems. Seems the wire under the console thet controls the electric trunk release had shorted. That seemed to take care of the interior lighting/sunroof power problem. The int. lights still dont seem to turn off when doors are closed.
Also, after commiting myself, I disconnected every connection to the fuse box! I did find a grey with white tracer had melted into a red. That seemed to take care of most of my head/ running light problems. But the running lights still can stay on with the key off. (I dont have the whole dash back together and am wondering if there is suypposed to be an alarm to alert a person that they have left the running lights on)
But now it wont start! I get no voltage at the fuel pump. Plenty spark. It seems like I head somewhere where there is an electric cut-off to the fuel system if something like the battery is disconnected? I dont think the car has a motorifif such and such because it doesnt have a relay in number 3 location. Also I have tried bypassing the alarm system. no help.
So I have 2questions to anyone that could please respond.
1. Does any know if it is normal for the running lights to be able to be left on with the key in the off position?
Does anyone know why the car wont start now.? I suspect it is a fuel problem.
Thank you in advance, Gary

[glkirk]

Is anyone very familiar with the fuse block on this 96 Passat, specifically the fuel pump coonction/s?

[Dan Naylor]

Originally Posted by glkirk

My email is [email protected]

Gary: Did you ever get you're electrical problem fixed? I've got a 97 Passat and my wife tells me this morning that the sunroof doesn't work along with clock, light for trunk release is on and trip mileage is out. Where should I look?

Dan

[glkirk]

Originally Posted by Dan Naylor

Gary: Did you ever get you're electrical problem fixed? I've got a 97 Passat and my wife tells me this morning that the sunroof doesn't work along with clock, light for trunk release is on and trip mileage is out. Where should I look?

Dan

Hiya Dan.
I eventully found a wire shorted under the console by a metal clip made to hold the wires to the plastic console. I found numerous wires chafed to bare at the trunk where they go from the lid to the main body.
I also found a wire shorted to another right at the fuse box. I had to remove every subconnection from the fusebox to find it. ( this took alot of guts!, but you will find that there is a central locking system and individual locking clips for every subconnection.)
Then lastly, I found a wire from the exhaust system had fallen onto the rack and pinnion under the hood and was shorting the fuelpump on a hard turn.
Feel free to call me at 757 482 7824
Gary