Electrical problem Golf 1997

[outerrim]

From time to time and never for a long period (between 30 seconds up to 15 minutes on average), while I am driving all electrical equipment goes out (my external light, my heater and whipper) but the engine continues to run. Its no nice to be driving along with no headlights on at night and driving under rain or snow without any whipper working.

When this happen, usually the parking brake light glows a little and I can hear a relay somewhere or a kind of buzz sound. It seems to come from the dash. I have checked all the relays near the fusebox, but they seems ok. I have also clean the batterie's connections to no avail. The problem is still there.

Has anyone got the same problem before and how did you solve it? Thanks.

[veedubmechanic]

Heh same thing happend to my gti than my dash started on fire... and my car got totalled.

I would replace your ignition switch and check all the wires for melting. Also the brake light switch sometimes has issues and melts the harness.

Also check fuses 3 and 4.

ALso open the hatch and check the harness connector station in front of the driver taillight assembly. Check for melted wires or corroded connectors.

[outerrim]

Thanks man. The ignition switch was at fault. I replaced it yesterday and everything is now back to normal. I have not seen any melted wires so I consider myself lucky! Thanks for the tip.