Golf electrical question????

[1blk66]

Hey gang, looking for some help with an electrical issue I'm experiencing with my 2003 Golf.
I returned from a trip to Cdn tire after picking up a headlight bulb. Passenger side burnt out. Replaced the headlight and coincidently (or maybe not??) the passenger brake light that had gone a few days earlier.

Replaced them both, both functioning normally BUT........ Now the fob doesn't lock or unlock the doors. In fact, there seems to be a complete loss of electrical to the doors, the truck lock/unlock, the gas filler switch, sunroof & even the interior lights!!

The car starts and runs fine, gauges work, radio works but......

I disconnected the battery for about 10 mins, but no change, other than the drivers headlight is now burnt out!!!

Any words of wisdom???

Thanks Todd

[Jerome]

Headlights and tail lights are a separate issue from the key fob.
Just have the key re-paired (not repaired) to the ecu. Happens when batteries get low. Or for no good reason. Find someone with VAG-COM to do it. If you're in Vernon come to my place I'll do it free.


One other potential issue, If your car fails to start there is a known issue with one single wire to the dash cluster.... Newer is just more $h¡t to go wrong!

[1blk66]

Thanks got the reply Jerome. Would that explain the interior electrical issues too. To be clear, even not using the fob and just using the auto lock/unlock on the door panel or the sunroof panel and nothing works! Even using the key in the door and turning up lock or unlock won't do anything to the other doors?

Thanks

[Jerome]

Thanks got the reply Jerome. Would that explain the interior electrical issues too. To be clear, even not using the fob and just using the auto lock/unlock on the door panel or the sunroof panel and nothing works! Even using the key in the door and turning up lock or unlock won't do anything to the other doors?

Thanks

That does sound a little strange with none of the door electrics working. I would run a diagnostic on it and see what the computer says is going on.

[bwaz]

my fob went squirley when i had a short in the wire at my back hatch. fixed the wire but needed the system flashed to get it happy again

[1blk66]

Well, Ran a scan with the OBD and nada, zip, zilch.....as in zero codes thrown!!!!! The mystery continues but looking more and more like a trip to the shop in my future :-(

[bwaz]

Just a "why not"? try replacing the batteries in the fob?

[1blk66]

Yep Brian will def try that next. Probably should have gone there 1st but hey, I've never been accused of being the brightest bulb in the room :-)

[bwaz]

careful getting the cover off the fob, it breaks really easily. I just go to the parts department at the local dealership and they pop them in for me. A little more expensive, but way cheaper than a new fob! (especially if they break it)

[Jerome]

Well, Ran a scan with the OBD and nada, zip, zilch.....as in zero codes thrown!!!!! The mystery continues but looking more and more like a trip to the shop in my future :-(

OBD scanner won't do what you need. They just read standard error codes. VAG-COM does a thousand times more. real time measurements, reprogramming and the like.

[1969deluxebus]

If you need to run vag com I could always plug your car into mine and see what it says. Also you can program your fobs . I am in Langley though
Matt

[1blk66]

Hey Matt, I'm in Surrey. That would be great if you could hook me up. Is there a night this week that would work for you?
Todd

[eternalproject]

there's a common issue with that body style of golf, there are two harnesses that run to the rear hatch (one on either side in a rubber boot when you open the hatch at the top) the wires break quite often inside the boot and are usually too short to repair properly. pull back the rubber boots and check the wires hopefully they can be spiced as the harnesses are expensive.

[1blk66]

thanks eternalproject, I'll be sure to check and cross my fingers that its not that and or if it is that I can splice them together.