Ding Dong the Chime has gone nuts - HELP! 30/f

[s301z]

The chime in my 2002 TDI Bug keeps going off randomly as I'm driving. Sometimes it dings like the car is off and I left the key in and sometimes it does a solid dong for a while as I'm driving and all the interior lights stay on like the door is open. What can I do? HELP! -Bug Chick

[ctesla]

Ford and Mercs had this recall dilemma in mid to late 90s.
try some WD40 sprayed into the door latch mechanisms where the door holds to the striker.
if it seems to lessen or go away, you have found the culprit.
if it returns, you may have to change the actuators inside the door.
if this does not help, no foul, at least the door mechanism's been lubed.

the other item might be, if you live near or traverse corrugated roads, may be the actual chime assembly has jostled loose under the dash.
a faulty ground could cause it to sound sporadic.
since this is an '02, you might still be covered under warranty (for either of these items), check your paperwork, as it would be ashame to purchase anything if VW (or perhaps just your specific vehicle) is at fault.

hope this helps,
chris
nrt racing

[ctesla]

oh yea.
and WELCOME to AF, Milly.

[veedubmechanic]

Most likely the driver or passenger side door microswitch is faulty. common failure.

[s301z]

Thanks for all the help so far, one more quick ? Where is the microswitch and how can I cange it out or do I have to go to my dealer - my warranty is up (113K miles - ouch).

[ctesla]

Originally Posted by s301z

Thanks for all the help so far, one more quick ? Where is the microswitch and how can I cange it out or do I have to go to my dealer - my warranty is up (113K miles - ouch).

Audi/Porsche/VW call them micro switches, and they are within the door, where the latching mechanism holds onto the stud inside the door jamb (on the frame/car side). This is where you can spray either, WD40 or an electrical contact cleaner (WD is less expensive, more commonly found, and if it seems to assist (even for a limited time) can always be cleaned off with the elec. cleaner spray), and since the warranty is up, it would be very important to isolate which door is causing the chime, as they can be expensive to purchase, and more so to replace (if you are relying on shop labor). if you are changing yourself, door panel has to come off with the sound insulation, and within the door's edge is the switch; held by 7mm nuts, small phillips, or a torx... not difficult to swap out, but tedious/time consuming.
the other option is to dis-connect the chime; however, that would also eliminate the bell when lights were left on, the door is really ajar, etc.

hope this helps,
chris
nrt racing