2012 Dash Lights Problem

[RogueCowboy]

I have a 2012 New Beetle Launch Edition Turbo. For the 1st month or so I think the dash lights worked correctly. Now the only way to get the back lit Speedo, Gas, and Tack to come on is to turn on the Headlights. While driving in the daytime with the 2 position headlight switch off, there are times that I can not read the gauges because they are in the dark. Occasionally they will come one for 10-15 seconds and then go off. Yes, if I turn on the headlights the gauges light up.
My dealer told me this is NORMAL.

[dnyed]

Welcome to the Org, fellow Oregonian! (My hometown is Brookings!) I don't know a lot about the 2012s, but that does not sound normal to me. Take it back in, and show them what you are talking about, and get a second opinion if needed. Good luck to you!


Oh, and again, Welcome to the Org! We Love Pics!

[RogueCowboy]

Thanks, BUT. I completed the new care survey and complained about the Mechanic and Service manager blowing me OFF. Service manager called me and tried to convince AGAIN the they were working properly. The call did not end well.

[PaliPrincess]

Yeah that doesn't seem normal, like Dnyed said I don't know about the 2012 but that's not right. Also, how are the windows going for you?

[dnyed]

Are you also on Facebook? Most of my Org friends are there, and several have 2012s too. One in particular I would like to introduce you to, to compare. PM me and let me know.

[RogueCowboy]

FB Roguecowboy

[dnyed]

I can't find you. PM'ing my email address, find me there!

[HwDoYuSlpAtNite]

Do you have another vw dealership that's close enough to try for a second opinion?

[RogueCowboy]

No other dealer close by. I returned a week later to pick up floor mats. I asked one of the salesmen to open up a 2.5L and see if the lights come on without the heads on. They did. Then he offered to check a turbo model and guess what the dash lights came on without the headlights switched on.

[Bratgirl]

Okay, may sound silly, but I couldn't see the display on my radio and the dash. I finally figured out that the little "roller" type switch below the headlight switch had somehow gotten turned almost all the way own. Mine is a 2002, but that same switch is in the picture above.

[Beetlebro]

Hey Rogue,

I have a 2012 launch like you, I do not have this problem. Have you contacted VW directly? I wrote a minor complaint via twitter and they got back to me right away and had a reference number for me to use when I called.




Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[Beetlebro]

Or just call them directly:

1-800-822-8987. Available from 8 AM - 6 PM (contiguous U.S.), Monday-Friday.



Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[KNEWBUG]

With the lights off in daylight, the needles for the tack, speedo, and gas gauge light up, also the time, temp, and mileage light up in red. The picture you posted is a car with NAV, the display is different and it displays in white. Also the Turbo Launch Editions do not have carbon fiber dash pieces like in your posted photo.
You must have some sort of loose connection if you say sometimes they come on and then go off???
Good Luck,
KNEWBUG

[KNEWBUG]

Beetlebro,

How do you know it is #4 in the state of California???


KNEWBUG

[RogueCowboy]

No, I have not contacted VW of America yet. I was waiting for confirmation via the forum that they should be on whenever the car is running.

[RogueCowboy]

Thanks. I just grabbed that photo off the net. My car does not have the Carbon look dash.. My dash is same as yours.

[KNEWBUG]

Mines 606152, whats yours???? What month was it built?? The sticker on the door jam says mine was built in August 2011, showed up at the dealer Sept 21st, drove it home sept 24th








KNEWBUG

[RogueCowboy]

BUGZE is currently asleep in my detached unheated garage. He keeps all that information in the glove box. I do not want to wake him tonight but I'll ge the info tomorrow.

[dnyed]

I knew it was Lithia. Medford!

I hope we can get your Bugze corrected. He is a beautiful, awesome, handsome Bug!

[RogueCowboy]

Yes, I have had 5 other New Beetles and this one has 2 roller switches to the left of the steering wheel. One operates like you described and dims or brightens all the dash lights if they are on. The other changes the neon like color around the 8" speakers in the doors. You can select Red, White or Blue. There are many other
buttons, 2 in the Dash to reset Trip Miles and another to step thru display options in the RED LED lights like OUTSIDE TEMP, TIME, INSTANT MPG, MPH, TIME, ETC
There are also 2 buttons on the Windshield Wiper Lever that allow you to select various options. None of them turn on the dash lights unless the headlights are turned on. BTW the RED NEEDLES/POINTERS in the dash analog displays for Gas, RPM and Speed are on without the Headlight switch being on. Its the WHITE
markers/tickmarks and alpha labels that do not light up.