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I have a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. My headlights, windshield whippers and heat will not work unless I pull the high beam lever on the stearing column. When I pull the high beam lever everything works again, even with the key off. What is the problem?

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on April 17 2006 at 6:23 PM

Optional Information:
1998 Volkswagen 1998 115hp

Already Tried:
I checked the fuse panel.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Sounds like you may have a faulty wiper switch (on the steering column) I would have the steering column checked for any wiring issues and the switch itself checked for proper function. The wipers/heated functions are dedicated to the wiper switch itself, if pulling on the high beam lever actuated the wipers the wiring may be of concerned, in the column aqs it may be moving to a position that makes "contack" whenever the lever for the high beams is moved.

Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks

Reply to RIP's Post: On this Jetta the high beam lever is on the left side of the stearing wheel and the windshield whiper is on the right side of the steering wheel. I had already dsconnected the wiring harness to the wiper switch and still had the same problem.

If you disconnect the wiper switch, are the low beams operational? This model should have the Headlamp switch on the dash to the left of the steering wheel, is this correct? If you have the key out of the ignition, and turn the headlamps (low beam) via the Headlamp switch, will the low beams illuminate? Are the low beams inoperative period?

Reply to RIP's Post: The low beams do not work with the wiper switch plugged in or unplugged. Yes, the headlight switch is on the left side of the dashboard (like you said). The only way to make everything work is to hold back on the high beam lever, when I let the high beam lever go everything shuts off again.

I don't see the correlation between the two circuits on the wiring schematic for this vehicle. First make sure your fuse numbers: 11 (10 amp) 12 (10 amp) 10 (15 amp) 1 (10 amp) and number 2 (10 amp) as the headlamps need all of these good to function properly. Also, make sure fuse number 5 (15 amp) is good for the wiper switch. If all of these are good check the brown ground(s) at the fuse box, if they are loose, corroded, or broken it will cause the circuit not to work then by activating the "flash to pass" highbeam lever, the circuit find a new path to ground and the accessories may start to function. Also, try disconnecting the high beam/flasher switch and see if you regain wiper operation.

Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks

Reply to RIP's Post: Thanks for your help I will give it a shot,I was looking for a bad ground
thank you Rick

Let me know how you make out, thanks

Rip (RIP180OUT@AOL.COM)

Reply to RIP's Post: can this be in the key switch

It can but the only input the ignition switch gives is the power to fuse #5 (15 amp). This fuse is the power for the Wiper/Washer Intermitant Relay. Since the low beams don't work at all I think it would be best if we start trcing down this problem first and possibly might run into a connection to the wiper problem in the process. First, unplug the low beam connector on both headlamps. The left side wire is colored Yellow/Black, and the right side is Yellow. Probe these wires with the headlight switch in the low beam position. Does the test lamp light up on either side at these wires. If only one side lights up, You may have a bulb problem on one side and an actual problem on the other.If neither light up, check to see if Fuse #'s 1& 2 (10 amp) power. If they don't than check for power at the Yellow wire on the Daytime Running Lights On Relay, as this is wher the low beam fuses get there power from. If the yellow wire there has no voltage, than probe the Yellow wire from behind the headlight switch at the left of the steering wheel, if there is no power here, than make sure the Black/Yellow wire has power to it at the headlamp switch. If there is no power here than we have an issue with the Fog Light Relay which supplies power to the Headlight Switch. But if we do have power to the Headlight Switch, but nothing comming off the Yellow wire, with is switched on than the switch could be bad, which is a common failure on these to cause the low beems to stop functioning. Do these checks and we can find out why the low beams are not operational, and possibly find the relation between the wiper functioning.

Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks

Reply to RIP's Post: thanks its fixed,,it was the ignition switch if you move the key a 1/16" it all works when the car is on

Good to know, I'm glad you found it-good job!

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