Turn Signal Problem

[jrw8778]

Ok, I have a 2001 Jetta TDI, standard transmission. I had it serviced about a year ago for a flashing glow-plugs light on the dash. I think they said it was a faulty relay of some sort when the fixed it, although I cannot be sure about it.

My problem now started about 6 months or so ago. The turn signals originally would blink irregularly, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. About three months ago they occassionally didn't work the first time I engaged the switch to turn them on, simply re-flipping the turn signal on would make them work. This degraded over time and now they're not working at all.

Possibly related to this problem, I've noticed that my rear defogger will suddenly come on for no apparent reason when I'm driving.

The four-way hazard lights don't work either.

I'm kind of a do-it-yourselfer kind of guy, I don't like taking my car to mechanics, it's nothing personal, I just like to do my own work...is this something I can tackle on my own do you think?

Any responses would be great, thanks.

[boschmann]

The signal problem is common, it's a failing hazard switch/relay (all in one unit). I'd guess the defogger switch has a contact problem.

[jrw8778]

Apparently it's a problem that's too common

Thanks anyway.

[veedubmechanic]

Wow... i have replaced sooo many of those flasher switches before, its no wonder that vw is going to do a recall on them. haha... sad...