Comments on: VW Recalls Nearly 800,000 Vehicles for Faulty Brake Lights http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/ Reviews, opinions and rants on all things Volkswagen Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:28:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-4/#comment-216362 Dan Volkens Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:09:42 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-216362 Hey Stu, ugh. Not good. Yeah, check out the fuses next. And there may be a short in the wiring somewhere as another culprit. Hey Stu, ugh. Not good. Yeah, check out the fuses next. And there may be a short in the wiring somewhere as another culprit.

]]> By: Stu V. http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-4/#comment-216320 Stu V. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:57:55 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-216320 I'm now on my 3rd brake light switch in 3 weeks! I've got a MkIV Golf (2002) and it is slowly driving me mad. The first time it went my mechanic said it was no big deal and replaced it. The 2nd time (a week later) it went, they put it down to a faulty part (replaced free under warranty) but 3 days later its gone again! Coincidentally, the radio cut out after the warning light came on this time so I'm wondering if the electrics are screwed too and this is causing of the brake light switch to fuse? I’m now on my 3rd brake light switch in 3 weeks! I’ve got a MkIV Golf (2002) and it is slowly driving me mad. The first time it went my mechanic said it was no big deal and replaced it. The 2nd time (a week later) it went, they put it down to a faulty part (replaced free under warranty) but 3 days later its gone again! Coincidentally, the radio cut out after the warning light came on this time so I’m wondering if the electrics are screwed too and this is causing of the brake light switch to fuse?

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-4/#comment-215598 Dan Volkens Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:12:42 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-215598 Hey lisa, those are some very odd symptoms. One thing that comes to mind is a bad alternator, which can cause some odd electrical problems like dimming lights. Other than that, I'm not sure. Maybe start there and see how it goes? Good luck! Hey lisa, those are some very odd symptoms. One thing that comes to mind is a bad alternator, which can cause some odd electrical problems like dimming lights. Other than that, I’m not sure. Maybe start there and see how it goes? Good luck!

]]> By: lisa http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-4/#comment-215371 lisa Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:13:47 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-215371 i have a 2001 vw jetta 1.8T when i drive at night my lights dim while im driving. and when i turn my car off sometimes and my dash lights are still on they buzz and die out before i can turn them out. also my car randomly stalls out while im driving. then the time and mileage on my car dissappears and it doesnt start back up again for a few minutes. i have a 2001 vw jetta 1.8T
when i drive at night my lights dim while im driving. and when i turn my car off sometimes and my dash lights are still on they buzz and die out before i can turn them out.
also my car randomly stalls out while im driving. then the time and mileage on my car dissappears and it doesnt start back up again for a few minutes.

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-4/#comment-214238 Dan Volkens Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:36:35 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-214238 Hey Janice, one thing to check is that the correct model battery was put into your Beetle. Your alternator could also be going out, which will cause a whole lot of weirdo electrical problems like you described. Hey Janice, one thing to check is that the correct model battery was put into your Beetle. Your alternator could also be going out, which will cause a whole lot of weirdo electrical problems like you described.

]]> By: Janice http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-214221 Janice Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:19:20 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-214221 I just got a new battery last week in my 04 Beetle diesel. It has been around 10 above 0 every morning and it did not have enough power to turn the engine over. The new battery has worked fine, but tonight on the way home from work, a caution symbol lit up on the dash along with the ABS light. It was on for a few minutes, then went off. Within another mile or two, it came back on along with the emergency brake light. I tapped the brakes. They worked, but did not affect the dash kights. I checked the emergency brake and it was completely released. I thought something must be frozen and when I looked at the clock/temperature indicator it was 14 degrees, but the lights were so dim I could barely read it. I noticed my headlights seemed dim, so I fliped them to hi beam. As I continued and was almost home, the dash lights became dim and completely went out. I parked the car and there were no brake lights on when I left it. Also, the check engine light comes on regularly, but my mechanic has checked it on the computer and says there is nothing that should casue it to come on. Also the left turn signal flashes much faster than it should, but the actual signal light flashes normally. Help. I think my car is possessed! I just got a new battery last week in my 04 Beetle diesel. It has been around 10 above 0 every morning and it did not have enough power to turn the engine over. The new battery has worked fine, but tonight on the way home from work, a caution symbol lit up on the dash along with the ABS light. It was on for a few minutes, then went off. Within another mile or two, it came back on along with the emergency brake light. I tapped the brakes. They worked, but did not affect the dash kights. I checked the emergency brake and it was completely released. I thought something must be frozen and when I looked at the clock/temperature indicator it was 14 degrees, but the lights were so dim I could barely read it. I noticed my headlights seemed dim, so I fliped them to hi beam. As I continued and was almost home, the dash lights became dim and completely went out. I parked the car and there were no brake lights on when I left it. Also, the check engine light comes on regularly, but my mechanic has checked it on the computer and says there is nothing that should casue it to come on. Also the left turn signal flashes much faster than it should, but the actual signal light flashes normally. Help. I think my car is possessed!

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-213942 Dan Volkens Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:36:35 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-213942 Dan, that's definitely not normal. It could be some type of wiring problem, the bulbs are being overloaded or something, etc. I suggest having your alternator checked out. Babbette, the water pump and related parts like timing belt should be replaced together for convenience's sake, if anything, since the mechanics will be in the same area. It usually can cost a bit more than a typical repair since they're doing some extensive engine work. For an exact price I couldn't tell ya. It varies a lot from region to region. Try to get some quotes if possible from various shops in your area. Good luck! Dan, that’s definitely not normal. It could be some type of wiring problem, the bulbs are being overloaded or something, etc. I suggest having your alternator checked out.

Babbette, the water pump and related parts like timing belt should be replaced together for convenience’s sake, if anything, since the mechanics will be in the same area. It usually can cost a bit more than a typical repair since they’re doing some extensive engine work. For an exact price I couldn’t tell ya. It varies a lot from region to region. Try to get some quotes if possible from various shops in your area. Good luck!

]]> By: babbette carr http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-213678 babbette carr Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:30:53 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-213678 sum of the things people were saying about there vw beetle i exsperienced samething now im having more problems changed thermostate and a bracket that holds most of the hoses for fluids but my car is still overheating could it be the waterpump and do u half to get timing belt changed to and how much is this gonna cost on 2004 vw beetle sum of the things people were saying about there vw beetle i exsperienced samething now im having more problems changed thermostate and a bracket that holds most of the hoses for fluids but my car is still overheating could it be the waterpump and do u half to get timing belt changed to and how much is this gonna cost on 2004 vw beetle

]]> By: Dan Jelinek http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-213646 Dan Jelinek Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:18:35 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-213646 I have a 2005 beetle, and in the last few months Ive had to replace the head lights 4 times and the tail lights twice. bulbs work for maybe a week, and then burn out. any suggestions. I have a 2005 beetle, and in the last few months Ive had to replace the head lights 4 times and the tail lights twice. bulbs work for maybe a week, and then burn out. any suggestions.

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-212785 Dan Volkens Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:36:05 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-212785 Hey Julian, that smell shouldn't be coming from the battery. The first thing I'd check out is the cat. But interesting you haven't noticed it since the change. Who knows. :D Hey Julian, that smell shouldn’t be coming from the battery. The first thing I’d check out is the cat. But interesting you haven’t noticed it since the change. Who knows. :D

]]> By: Julian http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-212608 Julian Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:55:56 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-212608 Thanks for your response. I put a new battery in and haven't had any problems so far. I guess the battery was just really dead. I thought the sulpher smell might be from the catalytic converter as well but not sure. I've got about 84,000 miles on it. Could that odor have come from the battery? I haven't smelled it again since I changed it out. Thanks for your response. I put a new battery in and haven’t had any problems so far. I guess the battery was just really dead. I thought the sulpher smell might be from the catalytic converter as well but not sure. I’ve got about 84,000 miles on it. Could that odor have come from the battery? I haven’t smelled it again since I changed it out.

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-212074 Dan Volkens Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:04 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-212074 Hmmmm, strange one there Julian. I would recommend tracking down the source of that problem before installing the new batery, if you can help it. If you have to drive the car, then you'll need to put the new one in. I don't think you'll need to reset anything with the battery out except for general things like the clock, saved radio stations etc. The sulpher smell usually indicates a bad catalytic converter. How many miles do you have on the Passat? Hmmmm, strange one there Julian. I would recommend tracking down the source of that problem before installing the new batery, if you can help it. If you have to drive the car, then you’ll need to put the new one in. I don’t think you’ll need to reset anything with the battery out except for general things like the clock, saved radio stations etc.

The sulpher smell usually indicates a bad catalytic converter. How many miles do you have on the Passat?

]]> By: Julian http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-211913 Julian Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:07:29 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-211913 Dan, One more thing....the other day when I was driving there was a strong sulpher smell coming from the front of the car.....any idea what that could be? Maybe the catalytic converter??? Dan,

One more thing….the other day when I was driving there was a strong sulpher smell coming from the front of the car…..any idea what that could be? Maybe the catalytic converter???

]]> By: Julian http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-211912 Julian Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:04:18 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-211912 Hey Dan, Anything I should be aware of before replacing the battery on my 2006 VW Passat 2.0T? I'm trying to avoid the cost of bringing it in to the dealership but I am wondering if I need to worry about having to reset the alarm or radio....bought the vehicle used and I do not have the reset code. Do I need to worry about the vehicle not starting at all unless I have the reset code or will it just affect the radio/stereo? The root of my problem is more serious then just the battery, I have some kind of electrical problem....when I turn the car off something continues to drain power from the battery. I would have to jump start it every 1-2 weeks....now the battery is so dead that I have to jump it everytime I turn it off and have to restart it. I thought it may be related to the brake light switch because a couple of times the right front brake light would go out but eventually would come back on....no recalls on the 2006 Passat break light switch huh? Any advice? Going to replace battery, check alternator and have someone check the electrical system......sucks big time! Hey Dan,

Anything I should be aware of before replacing the battery on my 2006 VW Passat 2.0T? I’m trying to avoid the cost of bringing it in to the dealership but I am wondering if I need to worry about having to reset the alarm or radio….bought the vehicle used and I do not have the reset code. Do I need to worry about the vehicle not starting at all unless I have the reset code or will it just affect the radio/stereo?

The root of my problem is more serious then just the battery, I have some kind of electrical problem….when I turn the car off something continues to drain power from the battery. I would have to jump start it every 1-2 weeks….now the battery is so dead that I have to jump it everytime I turn it off and have to restart it. I thought it may be related to the brake light switch because a couple of times the right front brake light would go out but eventually would come back on….no recalls on the 2006 Passat break light switch huh? Any advice? Going to replace battery, check alternator and have someone check the electrical system……sucks big time!

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-211122 Dan Volkens Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:38:23 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-211122 Hey Teresa, that sounds outrageously high, and there should definitely still be a recall out on the window regulator repair. I'm not sure about the airbag sensor, but I do remember reading something about a problem with the airbag module going bad. There may be some kind of recall out for that, maybe not. Anywho, I suggest trying a different dealer. Let me know how it goes! Hey Teresa, that sounds outrageously high, and there should definitely still be a recall out on the window regulator repair. I’m not sure about the airbag sensor, but I do remember reading something about a problem with the airbag module going bad. There may be some kind of recall out for that, maybe not.

Anywho, I suggest trying a different dealer. Let me know how it goes!

]]> By: Teresa Buschmann http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-211067 Teresa Buschmann Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:07:05 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-211067 Is there a recall on the airbag sensor light or the window regulators on the 05 VW Beetle convertible? I'm getting a repair quote for the window regulator of $800 which seems extremely high, should it be that expensive? Is there a recall on the airbag sensor light or the window regulators on the 05 VW Beetle convertible? I’m getting a repair quote for the window regulator of $800 which seems extremely high, should it be that expensive?

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-209852 Dan Volkens Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:19:50 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-209852 Hey Gina, if the fuse blows continually when replacing with a new one, you could have a short somewhere in the wiring, especially if you're having other electrical problems. Hey Bob, there is a recall out for the brake light switch, which will either cause both lights to stay out or remain on. I'd take it to your dealer to have that done for free and see how it goes! Hey Gina, if the fuse blows continually when replacing with a new one, you could have a short somewhere in the wiring, especially if you’re having other electrical problems.

Hey Bob, there is a recall out for the brake light switch, which will either cause both lights to stay out or remain on. I’d take it to your dealer to have that done for free and see how it goes!

]]> By: Bob Davis http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-209825 Bob Davis Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:40:06 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-209825 My 2002 Jetta 1.8 has not rear running lights, l already checked the fuses, (good), about ready to change the bulbs. Is it possible that both rear running light bulbs could burn out at the same time, or is there another fuse or switch I am missing. Thanks. My 2002 Jetta 1.8 has not rear running lights, l already checked the fuses, (good), about ready to change the bulbs. Is it possible that both rear running light bulbs could burn out at the same time, or is there another fuse or switch I am missing.

Thanks.

]]> By: gina http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-209689 gina Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:03:38 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-209689 just replaced the brake switch on my 2006 mexican jetta wich in usa is a 2004, still no brake lights changed the bulbs and the fuse, everityme i change the fuse it gets burn. now the speedometer stop working just replaced the brake switch on my 2006 mexican jetta wich in usa is a 2004, still no brake lights changed the bulbs and the fuse, everityme i change the fuse it gets burn. now the speedometer stop working

]]> By: Dan Volkens http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/comment-page-3/#comment-209216 Dan Volkens Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:05:09 +0000 http://www.volksbloggin.com/2007/02/26/vw-recalls-nearly-800000-vehicles-for-faulty-brake-lights/#comment-209216 Hey Rose, I don't think there would be a recall on the light itself, but rather whatever is causing the light to turn on. Have your mechanics scanned the computer codes to find out what's triggering the light? That should tell them what to do. If they haven't, I'd try a different shop. Depending on what the codes say, the problem could be covered under warranty or recall. Good luck! Hey Rose, I don’t think there would be a recall on the light itself, but rather whatever is causing the light to turn on. Have your mechanics scanned the computer codes to find out what’s triggering the light? That should tell them what to do. If they haven’t, I’d try a different shop. Depending on what the codes say, the problem could be covered under warranty or recall. Good luck!

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