Emergency Hazard Switch Problems

[pitt4me]

I have a 2002 beetle 1.8 turbo. A year ago my hazard switch started clicking as if the turn signal switch was on, which it was not. I replaced the switch and that took care of the problem for a year. Now the problem is back, so I replaced the switch again, but the clicking continued, actually even worse. I figured I got a bad switch and went and got another. It too acts possessed and clicks for awhile and then stops and starts again. It does not seem to be affected by turning the turn signals on or off. It will just start clicking, but no lights are actually flashing. The turn signals work fine as well as the 4-ways (when the hazard switch is turned on). I am ready to replace the turn signal assembly on the steering column, but before I spend more money, I want to see if anybody else has had this same problem. The local VW dealer said that the flasher switch has always fixed the problem? Any ideas? Thanks.

[[lot]]

The relay for the flashers is placed inside the switch for the hazard lights so the random clicking can possibly be related to the lighters switch. What I'll do before taking it to the dealer is remove the plastic covers behind the steering wheel and clean the switch's connectors on the steering column with a can of compressed air. You can maybe save some $$$ esp you have the cruise control option.

Worst case scenario, if you decide to change the switch assembly, you can do it yourself. Buy it online and do the install. There is always someone here to help

Edit : I just looked and it seems to be the same assembly for the beetle, golf and jetta. This will make you search easier.

[pitt4me]

Thanks. I'll try the compressed air route first and then the turn signal switch if that does not help.

[fohveh]

Hi, welcome to the world of 1.8 production run NB 2002. During this model year certain quirks appeared that were unique to the 2002 production run. I have 2002 GLX 1.8 as well and have had the exact problem. It is NOT your hazard switch it is NOT your ignition it IS the signal stalk itself. 2002 cars have poorly set copper contacts within the signal stalk itself, they were manufactured too tight and so there is excessive friction inside that leads too a bunch of copper fragments all over inside that creat false contacts activating the signals intermittently all the time or sometimes. Buying a new one will remedy it BUT you can easily fix it yourself as I did. Once you open up the unit you simply flip the contacts over and use q-tips to wipe out the excess copper fragments. You will notice its a simple system. Once the copper contacts are flipped over and bent appropriately for better contact the problem never comes back. I had it happen just a year after owning the car in 2003, since I repaired it no problems ever.

[pitt4me]

Thanks for the info. This clicking drives me nuts.