98 beetle HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS!!!

[Kyach]

GOT THE RECALL OF THE BREAK LIGHT SWITH DONE. SINCE THEN...NO LIGHTS. ANYONE ON THIS?

[hako]

Just take it back to whoever performed the recall fix. Any problems then you could go back to whoever sent you the recall notice. Sounds like they blew a fuse or forgot to plug something in. I'd be fixing it pronto before you have a car up your rearend.

[Kyach]

I would, however I moved to NC. I got the recall done in FL. I also checked the fuses, and they are ok. I am taking it in on Thurs. but I was trying to save money. Thanks

[hako]

It shouldn't cost you any $$$ if it was caused by the recall. Play it cool when you take it in and explain the circumstances. Most dealers are genuine if you also come over as genuine...least ways I hope they are! Unfortunately in Australia New Beetles are few and far between and dealers unfortunately are not familiar with them. All of our warranty claims resulted in panel damage due to unfamiliarity. (which they fixed both times) Good Luck.

[Kyach]

I actually didn't realize that you were from Australia. Consider yourself lucky you don't have a Beetle. I have had nothing but troubles with it.

[hako]

Actually we do have a New Beetle or at least my wife does. She fell in love with the concept at first sight and got a new double yellow one in 2003. The 3 year warranty has just ran out which is a good thing because of the dealer problems. Now I can do it all myself with no warranty hassles. Only problems we've had in 3 years are: bootlid not opening via door switch (only way)...7 visits to dealers and finally fixed by visiting VW fixit man in 5 seconds by swapping 2 wires to switch) : outer grey seal on headlights cracked/perished 3 times and replaced by dealers : stoplight not working - found by dealers to be bulb not seating in holder ....and thats it. Unfortunately when fixing and/or servicing they caused panel damage but also paid to fix this.
So in all reality we are happy with the car but not the dealers who, I must admit have a bugger of a job.
My wife treats the car like a baby and really loves every part of it. I know they are not the best of a design for access etc etc and are not assembled in Germany but they are still a solid car and bear the stamp of substance.
The Beetle is low mileage (33000km) and looks/smells/like a new car. I'm not allowed to drive it!. Maybe because they are assembled in Mexico they like the tropics as we've never used the heater. Also ours is a basic model and one which probably not go over in the USA - manual windows, no central locking, plastic hubcaps and 15" tyres....less to go wrong. But it looks cute and my wife loves it.