1998 Volkswagen Passat Electrical system Problems

“Abs and brake light intermittently light up and sound an emergency. I've taken the car to two garages, and neither place can determine the problem. Sometimes I cani feel my ABS system lock up if I am turning (not in any wet conditions); and in those occasions, I was fortunate that no cars had been coming toward me b/c I was unable to gain control. Neither mechanic saw any fault in my brakes, brake pads, shoes, etc., so there is something electrical to blame; and this is a complaint heard often with 1998-1999 vw passats. …”

“Fire in rubber boot housing between left rear door and car frame. Preceding events, left rear door speaker was not functioning, left rear window functioned sometimes. Door was closed after returning home and parking garage. Arcing was heard and smoke came from door. Owner removed many fuses from drivers side fuse panel and then removed connections to main battery. Door panel cover was removed and boot removed to find housing on 5 of the 8 wires burnt and most of the wire burnt through the wire. Pictures are available.”

“Oil pump failure, faulty cd player, inoperative cruise control, ignition module. Many failures for such a new car. Warranty is good for 10 years 100,000 miles for original owner, 5 york 50,000 for second. Car was placed in service 2/19/98 we there fore missed the 5 year coverage by 4 months.”

“While pulling out of a parking lot vehicle shook violently. Also, vehicle lost power. Simultaneously, check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. A mechanic examined the vehicle, and determined that an electrical problem was apparent in the engine compartment.”

“Starter coil failure - for over a month the problem would appear and disappear. Sounded almost like the muffler fell off, but would be accompanied by loss of power to the vehicle. Unexplainable as to why this happened.”