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 columnbad?
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

 

sounds like you have the wrong bulb in it some where

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

OK - took front turn signalbulbs out (disconncted them), the results were crazy.

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

 

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

 

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!

 

Has this problem been resolved? my car just started doing this and I have no idea where to start looking for a problem.

 

gfeehan, did you ever find out what the problem was because my 95 Golf just started having the EXACT same symptoms last night. I would appreciate whatever knowledge you gained. Thanks