2004 Jetta TDI Electrical Issues...HELP!

I have a 2004 Jetta TDI and I've been having some electrical problems recently. My dash lights flicker, when I apply the brake my headlights get brighter, when I use the blinker my headlights get brighter, and now I went to start my car the other day and all of the dash lights flashed at me until I started my car and the clock and tripmeter had reset themselves. My car was fine until yesterday when it happened again. This time the dash lights did not flash at me, but the clock and tripmeter reset again. After I turned the key on to let my glow plugs heat up, I tried to start the car and it would not start. I turned the key off and waited a second, and then it started right up. Has anyone has this type of issue? I'm trying to avoid going to the dealership because I'm not sure if my extended warranty will cover this type of issue. I appreciate anyone's input. Thanks!

Stacy

Hi Stacy

Well you could have some simple ground problems to a real big coolent migration problem. so the best thing to do is have a good VW shop Check it out for you. as this could be simple to real big.

good luck

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I just had the same thing happen to me last night with my 2004 Jetta. Let me know if you found anything out.

If your lights around the vehicle are flickering or changing intensity as another part is being used, that may very well be an alternator problem. I had that happen twice with another brand several years ago. The ground wire issue could also be true but your gauges that are electronic will either not work or reset. For example, your oil pressure gauge will look like the engine is off. Your clock and other electrical stuff may reset with a bad alternator. Check it out.

I took my car in to the dealer on Saturday because it wouldn't start for the 3rd day in a row...which was intermittent. It turns out that I had a weak battery, which solved my flickering light problem, the clock and tripmeter reset problem, and my hard start problem (which I chalked up to the fact that it was a diesel). So thanks everyone for your input and I hope that someone having the same problem can be helped by that. Have a great day!

Stacy

Hey Stacy,

I had the exact same problems and they appeared to be fixed after installing a new battery but they are back now so keep an eye out for that. I also have occasionally had to refill the coolant but the shop can't find a leak anywhere in the system. Does this sound like the coolant migration problem you were talking about volkshaus?

if your losing coolant and there is no leaks then its either going into the sumo or out the exhaust. either way it means the engine needs a rebuild!!

i have a 96 td that had some bizzare electrical problems. it ended up being the ignitian switch.

My 2003 VW Wolfs'b Turbo has been having electrical/starting anomalies as well. When I turn the key, the dashboad lights flicker and I keep hearing a ticking sound, but the engine isn't turning over. I tried jumping it off, the battery posts appear to be tight (I tried jiggling them with my hand, the bolts are on tight), I looked at the cable coming from the starting going to the battery (positive battery post)....i think it is the starter. Thought it possibly was the battery, but the lights still come on and it didn't start after jumping it. The weird thing was, at first the radio would still come on, then it stopped coming on. After I let the battery charge for ten minutes, car still wouldn't start any more than before, but the radio would come on....

.... ... ..I think I will try to put another battery in there and see if it will start.....