1998 vw cabrio wipers and lights go out for a few seconds very scary! What could this be?

Hi, there are a few possible faults that i can think of: the first could be that the battery may be low and does not crank the motor. The second could be that the starter needs attention.(you do not say whether any ignition lights come on) When the key is turned and the motor does not crank, the ignition,battery or the starter could be faulty. I would suggest you start with the battery then test the starter, if the battery is good and the starter is okay then check the ignition. All the best.

It covers all under repair manual. I have visited this website 2-3 times for the repair of volvo v70 and vw manuals. They provide all kinds of manuals at a very cheap rates. Check it may be you will get something useful 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Workshop Repair Service Manual PDF Download

Ok I fixed her light issue after investigating strange noises under the hood. The wiring harness mount holding clip between the frame and radiator fans at the hood latch broke and the wiring was rubbing against the fan, cutting 3 wires and exposing 4 others. electrical taped frays and made jumpers for the cut ones and WHALLAH! All good. The reason it evaded so long is it was about out of plain sight because of the shroud until it broke the main holding clip and dropped the cluster of wires and the big connector down it wasnt loud.

1993-2005 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (A3-A4) Hatchback & Sedan Workshop Repair Service Manual - 350MB PDF

1993 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Golf GTI Cabrio A3 A4 Hatchback Sedan...

This is a COMPLETE Service and Repair Manual for your 1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan. It covers every single detail. All models, and all engines are included.

This QUALITY manual is 100 percents COMPLETE and INTACT, no MISSING/CORRUPT pages/sections to freak you out! Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings and photos guide you through every service repair procedure. This manual can be viewed on any computer, as well as zoomed and printed. All repair procedures are covered A-Z. This manual for VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio makes any repair job easy to do with very easy to follow step-by-step instructions & pictures on all areas of repair.

1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan
===========
Format: PDF
System: All Versions of Windows, Mac, iOS, BB, Android, etc..
Requirements: PDF Reader.
Printable: Yes

TABLE OF CONTENT (example)

GENERAL INFORMATION *

ENGINE *
engine mechanical
engine lubrication system
engine cooling system
engine control system
fuel system
exhaust system

TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE *
clutch
manual transaxle
automatic transaxle

DRIVELINE/AXLE *
front axle
rear axle

SUSPENSION *
front suspension
rear suspension
road wheels & tyres

BRAKES *
brake system
parking brake system
brake control system

STEERING *
power steering system
steering system

RESTRAINTS *
seat belts
supplemental restraint system (srs)

BODY *
body, lock & security system
glasses, window system & mirrors
roof
exterior & Interior
Instrumental panel
seat

AIR CONDITIONER *
air conditioner system

ELECTRICAL *
wiring diagrams
starting & charging system
lighting system
driver information system
wiper, washer & horn
body control system
lan system
audio visual, navigation & telephone system
auto cruise control system
power supply, ground & circuit elements

MAINTENANCE *
maintenance

INDEX *
alphabetical Index

1993 1994 1955 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio (1.8L turbo, 1.9L TDI and PD diesel 2.0L gasoline, 2.8 LVR6) (A3, A4 Platform) Hatchback & Sedan

You can set the parking brake to the very first click. This will turn the lights off. But you will have the brake indicator light on, in your instrument cluster.

"my daughters 1998 vw cabrio has a top that won\'t go up or down. i need to find the fuse for it. i know it\'s not the motor or hydrylics i have already checked those out. so that leaves the button or the fuse... but i don\'t have a diagram for the fuse box. Please help. "

Here's the list and link for the fuse locations.

Fuse/Relay Locations on 1996 VW Cabrio.

Fuses, left to right:
1. Head light, low beam, left
2. Head light, low beam, right
3. Instrument & License plate lights
4. Glove box light
5. Wiper/washer
6. Fresh air fan
7. Tail light & side marker, right
8. Tail light & side marker, left
9. Rear window defogger
10. Fog lights
11. High beam & indicator, left
12. High beam, right
13. Horn
14. Backup lights
15. Open
16. Dash warning lights
17. Emergency flasher & turn signals
18. Fuel pump
19. Radiator fan & AC
20. Brake lights & cruise control
21. Interior lights & digital clock
22. Radio & cigarette lighter

Relays

1. AC
2. Rear window wiper
3. Digilant control unit
4. Load Reduction
5. Open
6. Emergency flasher
7. Fog lights
8. Intermittent wiper
9. Seat belt warning
10. Open
11. Horn
12. Fuel pump
13. Radiator cooling fan
14. Starting interlock
15. Open
16. Open
17. Open
18. Daytime running lights
19. Auto trans
20. Open
21. AC & power seats
22. Power windows
Google Image Result for http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_cab_1.jpg

You need to remove the tray cover for the wiper assembly, meaning you have to remove the wiper arms. It sits at the passenger side of the car (right).

Fuse colors
30 A-green25 A-white20 A-yellow15 A-blue10 A-red7,5 A-brown5 A-beige3 A-violetFuse locations


Fuse Location

Fuse locations for options not shown can be found in the corresponding wiring diagrams.
Amp.

1-Headlight, Low Beam, Left (56b)102-Headlight, Low Beam, Right (56b)103-License Plate Lights (58) 104-Rear Window Wiper And Washer System155-Windshield Wiper/Washer156-Fresh Air Blower, A/C (X)207-Tail Lights, Right (58R)108-Tail Lights, Left (58L)109-Rear Window Defogger2010-Fog Lights1511-Headlight, High Beam, Left (56a)1012-Headlight, High Beam, Right (56a)1013-Horn (15)1014-Back-Up Lights1015-Engine Electronics (15)1016-Power Sunroof, Front Map/Reading Light1517-Emergency Flashers (15)1018-Fuel Pump (FP), Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Control Module2019-Coolant Fan, A/C Relay (30)3020-Brake Lights (30)1021-Interior Lights, Clock, Luggage Compartment Light (30)1522-Cigarette Lighter, Radio, Luggage Compartment Release10Separate Fuses

(Located above the relays)

-Fuse for ABS hydraulic pump relay30-Fuse for ABS main relay30-Fuse for A/C30-Fuse for power windows20-Fuse for cruise control5-Fuse for cigarette lighter15In the engine compartment above the brake booster:
-Glow plugs50

Is it a auto tranny? Might be your fluid levels check those. Also could be your detent cable. If manual tranny and has a hydro clutch check those fluids. Just some stuff to check. I would hate to say change your transmission.

check your timeing belt frist . then check your fuel pump.and check your fuelter then check your fuese. 9 time out of 10 when a car die on you while driving its your timeing belt