Questions and Answers
A Fox And A Passat
Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla: I own a 1989 VW Fox, 1.8 liter engine, manual transmission, 113,000 miles, A/C, no power steering. It runs quite well, but lately the parking brake light is flickering on and off (even though the parking brake is disengaged).
What's more, on occasion in cold weather when I start the vehicle, the horn will sound while the parking brake light flickers on and off. Sometimes, upon starting, the horn will only sound when I press the gas pedal. I simply shut the vehicle off and restart, and the horn problem seems to disappear, although the flickering parking brake light continues.
What's more, the illumination to the radio stations in the stereo has become brighter. This occurred simultaneously with the parking brake light flickering. The illumination does not flicker, however -- it simply remains very bright.
A couple of days ago I noticed a faint smell of an electrical burning -- I wasn't sure it was my vehicle at that time, but it recurred last evening while I pulled into my garage. It isn't overwhelming, but is present nonetheless.
I would appreciate any insight you might be able to give me as to what is wrong and whether this will hamper the performance of the vehicle. I don't mind if the parking brake light eventually shorts or burns out, just as long as the performance of the vehicle doesn't change.
I also own a 1999 VW Passat GLX, 2.8 liter V-6, manual transmission, 29,000 miles, fuel injection, ABS brakes, P/S, A/C, cruise control. About 1 month ago I noticed that the steering wheel, when turned, began to make a "whoosh" sound. The sound is nearly identical to that of squee-geeing a wet window, almost a light whistle. It does not affect the performance of the vehicle, and the power steering fluid is full. I have never heard this sound in the car before, but am hoping you might be able to offer some insight as to what it might be, and the degree of seriousness it may pose to the performance of the vehicle.
Thank you for your time,
TimA. It sounds to me like the Fox has a definite short in the harness somewhere. Since it could be anywhere I can't really be more specific. However, if it were me looking for it, I would probably start in the area of the steering column under the dash. It's very possible that the brake or gas pedal has rubbed it somewhere and wore through.
I think the noise in the Passat is more annoying than serious. It could be one of two things, the steering wheel is rubbing against the steering column covers or the horn contacts are dry and need a little lube.
Look around the steering wheel and make sure there is enough clearance between the wheel and covers. If not, loosen the cover screws and adjust the cover as required.
If it is the horn contacts, then I suggest letting the dealer take care of it since it does have an airbag. In any case, since it is still in warranty, take it back to the dealer and let them fix it.
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