27th Jun 2004, 18:20
The problem with the brake light on when starting the car, and not being able to turn the fans on is the ignition. I had the same exact problem on my 98 Jetta.
19th Jul 2004, 14:35
I have a '98 Jetta GL that I bought used with 82,000 miles on it. I've been driving on the pot-hole ridden streets of Boston for 2 years now and the only thing I've done besides change oil every 3,000 miles and put gas in it is to replace the front axles (did I mention the pot-hole ridden streets of Boston), and replace the motor on the windshield wipers. Now that I'm nearing 100,000 miles I'm going to change the timing, serpentine, and power steering belts, get a tune up, and put on new tires. This is my 5th VW and every one has been a champ. It is expensive to repair, but it still beats the Saab I had previously.
-Ann Trollinger, Boston, MA.
13th Oct 2004, 18:43
I have a 1998 Jetta that I really enjoy driving. Sure I've had to re-attach the bumper trim on the doors, 2 headlights, and 1 turn signal bulb. Oh, and my cruise control doesn't work. These are minor glitches compared to what I have now: Occasionally, and now more frequently, when I turn the car over it makes a rapid "click-click-click..." sound and doesn't crank at all. The door locks sometimes pop up when this happens, and maybe the flashers will blink once or twice. I'm hoping this isn't a generalized electrical breakdown. Anyone out there have any idea what this may be.
Matt-Anchorage Alaska.
25th Oct 2004, 18:34
I own a 1998 Jetta GLX. I bought this car when I was 16 years old and I bought when it only had $22,000 miles on it. I love driving this car, but I have had a lot of problems after I hit 40,000 miles. My Engine Light, Brake Light and Airbag light have gone on and off and I've had to fix all the moldings on my car. I also replaced the window motors in the back and front. The only problem I have now is the Brake, Engine and Air Bag lights. Does anyone know ho to fix these problems? I Will Probably not buy another Jetta, Bug or Passat, but the Toureg is really fun to drive. I recommend everyone to test drive it.
17th Oct 2008, 22:31
I'm having the same problems with my ABS light, brake light, AC/heater fan, and head lights shut off. I've been told it's the ignition switch.
26th Feb 2010, 18:31
I bought my 98 Jetta GLX in 06 and thought I was getting a good deal. I bought it for $7500 and ended up putting $5000 into it. My transmission went, my windows kept falling down unexpectedly, I had to buy a new engine mount, replace all wiring in the vehicle, and replace spark plugs twice. I don't know how they got away with selling this model.
24th Jun 2004, 09:53
I have a 98 Jetta GL that I bought about four months ago. When I bought the car it only had 54K miles. The dealer told me that he would fix the check engine light if I were to buy the car. He fixed the light once I bought it and it was a great car until the brake light comes on one the dashboard. Its only when I start the car. And the funny thing about it is that I have no electric (AC, Factory radio). Does anyone know what I can do to fix my car?