About two weeks ago my 98 Jetta developed a electrical problem. Shortly after starting the car the head lights will cut out, the break light warning light on the dash will come on, the wiper blades stop working and the interior fan stops working. Initially it was just for a second but it's gotten worse since the first time. And now the lights will go out after I'm headed down the road. My initial thought was that it was the headlight switch but, maybe its the ignition switch? Has anyone had any problems like this befor?

 

I have been having the EXACT SAME PROBLEM with my 1998 Jetta! An auto mechanic that's a friend of mine made a suggestion and I tried it. I'm not sure if it worked but I'll know in a couple of days and let you know. Have you found a solution yet?

 

Check for a recall. I think I saw something about that when I was looking for recalls ealier today.

 

I have the exact same problem on my 98 Jetta. I hear a slight click and all the electrical comes back on again. I think there is a breaker resetting that is the cause of the noise. Have you any luck finding a solution?

 

I found the source of the problem with the help of a European auto mechanic friend.
The ignition switch internal connection is loose/worn.
Try this: Start the car, turn on the headlights or the wipers or the interior fan (or all at once if you like) now wiggle the ignition key towards the OFF position but do not turn it off. I found a slight wiggle up or down caused the lights,wipers,fan to go off. More wiggle and they went on again.
I will be taking my ignition key off the ring so as not to make a swinging weighted pendulum out of the key ring. I don't know how to change the ignition switch (must not be easy)and will never go to the VW dealer for that.