Odd electrical problem?

[chimprawk]

Hello,

I've searched through the Jetta forum to make sure I'm not replicating a question and wasting people's time.

Here is the problem:

2001 Jetta, GLS VR6. When I activate the turn signal, right or left, the signal will blink at an irregular interval and then die. What I mean by this is - you know how there is that little 1/2 second pause between blinks? It will be irregular - like 1/2, 1/4, 1/2, 1/2, 1/4 - and then dies. The little "click" that goes along with a blink follows this same weird interval. Also note that this interval is not fixed...its random. Somtimes the light will blink for a while, sometimes it will blink once and die.

I've looked at the fuses, all are socketed properly and not blown. I've looked at all 6 lights closely, and they are working and appear to be shining with the same intensity.

I'm not an expert, but I think the problem is either the 1)electrical system or 2)the timing mechanism that controls the blinking has crapped out.

Does anyone have any advice? If I could fix this myself it would be fantastic.

Thanks

[sethsakeeper]

hey dont feel to bad...all the air bags on the right side of my 2003 jetta deployed because of a faulty sensor...( rolls eyes )

[edward_lucero]

Try the turning signal relay. I know that they go out every once and a while, but your simptoms are unique. You should be able to get a new one at you local parts store. I would also ask them see if they knew what it could be.

[Boost192]

that is your turn signal switch i just fixed one of those in my shop last week

[HeirMuench]

I have read the responses to your problem. Sorry, everyone is wrong, but good input. The problem is your emergency flasher switch. Unfortunately VW uses the flasher switch as the control module for turn signals. I have seen this many times, I am a VW Technician. Replace the Emergency Flasher Switch and the problem will go away.

[opdavis3]

Has fixing the emergency flasher switch worked?

I am having the same problem with my 1.8T.

How hard is it to do?


Thanks!

[HeirMuench]

The switch just pops out. unplug it and plug in the new switch

[sats]

Originally Posted by HeirMuench

The switch just pops out. unplug it and plug in the new switch

I am having the same problem. Can you tell me where the switch is lacated?
thak you

[Boost192]

emergency flasher switch is ur hazards

[Silver2K1VR6]

How exactly does the switch just pop out. Do you have to do something special to make it pop out?

[sats]

i just popped it out with a screwdriver, it came out really easy.

[stevemaria]

Has anyone tried this and fixed the problem?
Would anyone know how much a new switch would cost?

[meg_pie19]

I have a 97 Jetta with a similar problem. My blinkers were making the irregular noises, then all 4 blinkers just quit working. Fuses and bulbs appear to be fine, I replaced the Emergency flasher relay, still no blinkers. There is less than 50k on my engine, is this something that should fail so soon? Where do I go next?

[meg_pie19]

**FIXED**
My husband took the plastic red hazard switch apart on the top of the stearing wheel and found something wasn't connecting properly. Now blinkers work fine.

[neillaubenthal]

I've got the same problem . . . and bought the switch. Does the switch pop directly out or do you need to remove the little grill over the air vents and switch first? I pried on the grill a little and it came up some but didn't seem to want to come free. If removing the grill is correct . . . are there any tabs or parts that must be disengaged to prevent breakage or do I just pry until it comes out?