Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''99 Cabrio

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Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''99 Cabrio

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Volkswagen >> VW MODELS >> Volkswagen Cabrio >> Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''99 Cabrio

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Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''99 Cabrio - 10/6/2008 12:57:58 PM

gfeehan

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Joined: 10/6/2008
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My daughters (''99 Cabrio) brake lights and turn signals (rear) seemed to be joined at the hip. When the brake lights are on and the turnsignals get used the whole back end turns into a light show. Say the left turn signal is used (brake pedal pressed) the left brake light flashes strongly and pretty much every other light both left right rear flash dimly!
The fronts operate perfectly.
I replaced the primary turn signal flasher unit and it didnt clean up the problem.
Is my turn signal switch on the steering column bad?
Her inspection has expired, so I am fairly desperate to get her road legal.

I read somewhere that there was a recall regarding brakelights on this model, but I went on Edmonds.com and could not find it.

thanks all you wise VW people in anticipation
glenn

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gfeehan

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''''99 Cabrio - 10/6/2008 3:26:56 PM

Jrailer

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sounds like you have the wrong bulb in it some where

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''''''''99 Cabrio - 10/6/2008 4:09:44 PM

gfeehan

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I will check, but I am not sure that would be the case as this has happened over eth last month or so and no bulbs have changed - although they may have twisted in their sockets for some crazy "Texas - heat - related reason"!

thanks

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gfeehan

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''''''''''''''''99 Ca... - 10/8/2008 6:19:40 PM

gfeehan

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Joined: 10/6/2008
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ok, checked with my daughter and no bulbs have been changed.
Did some more trouble shooting and cleaned all the contacts with the turn signal switch/control on the steering column.
The plot thickens . . . the brake lights work fine with no turn signal switched on, BUT . . . when I turn the headlights on the rear turn signal lights both light up, the turnsignal lights on the dash lightup dimly and when the turn signals get switched on the rear brake light on that side flashes and both the rear turn signal bulbs flash dimly and when the brakes get applied the rear lights just about dissappear with dim random flashing happening.
I am completely lost on this.
Is there a lighting relay that''s failing, or the column switch failing or both?
Another thing that I think could be related is, the cruise control now no longer works at all.

thanks again wise ones!

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gfeehan

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights '''''''''''''''''''''... - 10/9/2008 5:46:51 PM

Jrailer

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PULL THE FRONT MARKER/TURN SIGNAL BULBS OUT AND SEE IF YOU STILL HAVE A PROBLEM

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights '''''''''''''''''''''... - 10/13/2008 10:03:07 AM

gfeehan

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Joined: 10/6/2008
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OK - took front turn signal bulbs out (disconncted them), the results were crazy.

At the rear . . . .
turnsignal switched to left . . . center trunk brake lights flash on and off.
turnsignal switched to right . . . center trunk brake lights flash on and off.

turn on lights, no tail lights work at all.

press foot on brake pedal . . . center trunk brake light works, nothing else.

Jrailer I hope you''re a genius - coz it has me stumped.
I feel pretty stupid right now!

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gfeehan

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights '''''''''''''''''''''... - 10/13/2008 7:32:24 PM

Jrailer

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it still sounds like you have the wrong type of bulb in it somewhere
a single eliment bulb in where a duel one should be

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RE: Turn Signals and Brake Lights ''''99 Cabrio - 10/19/2008 3:53:18 PM

jtvw_2000

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Joined: 10/19/2008
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so you know your not alone I''ve got it too 98 cabrio. everything works great till I turn on my headlights, my turn signals and hit my brakes then it all breaks loose! I''ve tried everything the dealer says it might be the tailight assembly itself we''ll see!

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Post #: 8