2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Logo
Posted on Jan 19, 2009

Low beam headlights don't work

Have changed bulbs, fuses, relays, switch at handbrake, and headlight switch. Lights usually come on when handbrake is released but now will not come on even when light switch is turned to low beam lights. High beam lights work as do turn signal lights and all other exterior lights. Want to replace daytime running light relay but unsure of how to remove it or its location. I have the exact same problem with a 2003 Jetta GLS. Need to know where the relays are. The owners manual is useless. I have the same problem and haven't been able to find out where exactly the problem is.

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  • mekjunk Jan 30, 2009

    exact same as described by original poster....next step I can find is to check the wiring

  • tman1895 May 10, 2009

    I have the same problem with my 2001 VW JETTA WOLFBURGE.
    Day lights work and high beams, but the normal evening lights don't.


  • Anonymous Aug 04, 2017

    I think you should let the mechanic fix it.
    * gta 5 cheats

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  • Posted on Aug 20, 2010
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The problem is in the high beam switch assembly which also houses your turn signals and possibly cruise control, and yes, I'm sure. There are some electrical contacts in the assembly which dis-connect the low beams when you put the high beams on. Constant use of the high beam switch will create arcing on the low beam switch which makes the contacts not conduct electricity anymore. The daytime running lights send power to the low beams on a separate circuit. .

The repair is to either replace the assembly, $300 at dealer, $100 or less do it yourself, or take the assembly apart and clean it for free. (2 hours or less)

Instructions on taking your steering wheel off here: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=151557

Instructions for fixing the switch here: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=167831&page=4

P.S. If you own a VW, especially around model years 1999 to 2004, there is a rare but devastating problem with engine coolant being literally pumped through all electrical parts of your car.... destroying it. Repair cost = $8,000. It is called coolant migration. Check your VW right now (takes two seconds, literally), and do a two-minute procedure to fix your car to prevent the problem here: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/multi/coolant_migration.htm

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  • Posted on Nov 13, 2009
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It is the turnsignal switch

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  • Posted on Jan 19, 2009
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Have you changed the relay it could be that

3 Related Answers

Roosevelt James

  • 398 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 05, 2009

SOURCE: low beam headlights switch does not work

Bad head light switch

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Dec 18, 2009

SOURCE: 00 Jetta 2.0 Car has daytime running lights but

Check the headlight relay.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jan 23, 2011

SOURCE: 1996 vw jetta problem with the headlights. The

I don't have a wiring diagram ,but on most cars I would say your low beam bulb is bad. Try swapping sides to see if the problem goes with it, or just replace the bulb. You can always keep the new one until needed someday... shadetree mech by necessity.

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Low beam headlights don't work

I have e-mailed you 2 .pdf files, one is the complete headlamp diagram, and the other is the relay locations. Please advise if you need further assistance.

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