German Electronics

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno) 03/28/2015 at 14:41 • Filed to: None

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I can't even.

Here we have two E36 gauge dimmer switches.

The one on the right is the old one I took out of the car that literally burned up its internals some point in its life. I could do nothing with this switch and my "Hey idiot you left your headlights on" buzzer didn't work.

The one on the left is the new one. Identical except the internals are completely intact. This one makes my car freak out when the headlights are on and the key is in the off position. My interior lights flicker and stuff turns on and off, and the buzzer works on and off and spurratic intervals. I can dim the lights when the cars off and freaking out, but not when the car is running and acting normal.

German electronics got me fucked up.

My only guess it a short in the wiring somewhere under the dash, or maybe just dirty connectors. I'm hoping it's the latter.

DrScientist > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 14:46

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german complicated electricals? what are you talking about?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > DrScientist 03/28/2015 at 14:48

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*Screams*

*Runs away*

NOPE.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 14:57

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here, you might want these:

Cé hé sin > DrScientist 03/28/2015 at 15:01

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Indeed. Look at this paragon of simplicity which is a Toyota:

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 15:01

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Check your LCM and sunroof drains. I know it sounds odd but I had almost the same problems as you. Clogged drains allowed water into the LCM on the floor. My right turn signal, interior lights, and hazard lights were on.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 15:02

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Didn't you have some electrical issues specifically wiring that you had when you got the car? Somebody may have messed with more than just that at some point.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680 03/28/2015 at 15:03

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We had an issue where the car wasn't charging, but that was just a loose cable that needed to be tightened down.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 15:05

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Hmmmm, I'd say the only way to really find out is to get to the source.

If the wiring looks like a spaghetti shrine, I'd suggest that you either take it to a shop or identify what everything goes to.

Sam > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 15:06

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Porsche 924, gauge on the left

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680 03/28/2015 at 15:08

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We've already had it apart where all the wiring is once before. It wasn't any more spaghetti'd than anything I've ever seen before.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Sam 03/28/2015 at 15:08

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Must be warning lights and back lighting.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/28/2015 at 15:09

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Huh, then dirty connections might be it. Just make sure to use the right product for that. I believe that Wd-40 makes an electrical contact cleaner.