Electrical problems

[RobTom]

OK, I'm a newbie to this forum, but signed up because I liked the quality of exchanges and know-how. I also know virtually zero about automotive stuff, so forgive my ignorance...

I have a 1998 VW Passat TDi Sport estate, 80k kilometres, owned from new. In the last year the following have shown up as problems:

- sun roof opens and shuts independent of what driver or passengers do(!)
- occasional firing of central locking
- light warning beep no longer activated when door is opened after switch off
- lack of full heat from air-con system

To the best of my knowledge, everything else is fine. The car has been serviced regularly by our local VW dealer and drives like a dream.

I see that I'm not alone in experiencing Passat electrical problems, but what is the best way of trying to fix them before even more symptoms surface?

Regards,

Rob

[veedubmechanic]

Sounds like a faulty comfort module (under driver front floor on new body style)

[JStephens]

I have the sunroof opening by itself too, mostly when the outside temps reach close to 100 degrees. Almost like the car is trying to cool itself. Kinda scary!

This morning in extreme cool, I was unable to start the car. Internal lights were flashing and the automatic locks were opening and closing on their own.

Have you had any success in finding out more info? I have a pretty good dealer in Texas and will call them to see what I can find out on this end.

Thanks for any info you might have!

[muzzym]

I have a 97, and my left rear passenger window would open and close on its own while driving. It would also, (if I remember correctly) move the locks additionaly.

It turned out to be a bad relay in the window motor module. You could shake it and hear a broken part dancing around. As the car drove, it would short and cause problems.