Jetta Headlight Switch

Dubh Geannain

Hi,

Seem to be having trouble with the steering wheel headlight switch on an '06 Jetta.

I know the headlights are working because you when flash the lights by pulling the lever back they come one. But when you try to switch them on full time by clicking the lever forward nothing happens?

Is the lever and switch all the one part and does it need replacing? Or is there a micro switch located inside the the steering wheel cover?

colm_mcm

Do just to be clear
The rotary switch near the ignition works?
The dipped beams work
You can make the high beams work by pulling the indicator stalk towards you?
You can't make the high beams work by pushing the indicator stalk away from you?

In that case it could well be the indicator stalk at fault. They are available seperately.

This will give you an idea of what's involved

Dubh Geannain

colm_mcm wrote: »

Do just to be clear
The rotary switch near the ignition works?
The dipped beams work
You can make the high beams work by pulling the indicator stalk towards you?
You can't make the high beams work by pushing the indicator stalk away from you?

The rotary switch near the ignition works? Yes
The dipped beams work Yes
You can make the high beams work by pulling the indicator stalk towards you? Yes
You can't make the high beams work by pushing the indicator stalk away from you? Correct

Dubh Geannain

Thanks alot Colm. So not simple fix. Part needs replacing then?

I've just had a look at this this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2goGEM-Zbs

Looks manageable enough. I might need to purchase a torx screwdriver though too. Just need to source the right part.

colm_mcm

Are you comfortable with removing the steering wheel/airbag?

Dubh Geannain

On second thoughts it looks tricky enough. Roll on the bright evenings

Seriously though, when sourcing the part. Would it be the same as that for a Golf of the same year?

Dubh Geannain

colm_mcm wrote: »

Are you comfortable with removing the steering wheel/airbag?

Well I haven't done it before. Would you say it's particularly messy?

I would assume if I disconnect the battery and no one smashes the bumper while I'm working I should be able to manage it. But if you'd recommend otherwise I'd bow to your greater expertise and pass it onto an able mechanic. What would you think it'd cost?

colm_mcm

I just know the first time I did one (different car) that I broke the airbag clockspring (the bit that feeds the wiring through to the airbag) and ended up costing quite a but more.
I'm sure if you can follow an online guide you'll be ok.

colm_mcm

I hasten to add, I also nearly broke my nose when pulling the steering wheel off.

Top tip: leave the nut on a few turns so that when you pull the wheel off you don't break your nose.

Dubh Geannain

colm_mcm wrote: »

I just know the first time I did one (different car) that I broke the airbag clockspring (the bit that feeds the wiring through to the airbag) and ended up costing quite a but more.
I'm sure if you can follow an online guide you'll be ok.

Thanks. I may have a bit of a think about it but you're happy that it needs replacing? I can't think what else it'd be myself

colm_mcm

You could always ring a vw dealer and ask them what they think.
The fact that the lights work on one position would suggest the switch tbh but it could be something electronic too I suppose.
There are a few VW heads on here that might know the answer

Dubh Geannain

Before I hit the trigger and buy a replacement (cheapest I can find is € 34 including postage) I just have one other question.

The white tag sticking out of the right hand side of the unit. That looks to me like it's controlled by the back/forward motion of the lever. Is all the switching (including the back forward switching) definitely relayed through the electrical connector on the far right or it this tag switching something also?



Many thanks