Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

> OT: 2002 VW Jetta question: How do i turn off the headlights?
SirAndy
post Mar 3 2009, 09:21 PM
Post #1


Resident German
*************************

Group: Admin
Posts: 41,675
Joined: 21-January 03
From: Oakland, Kalifornia
Member No.: 179
Region Association: Northern California
So, i've got my 2002 Jetta for a little over a year now and the battery died on me this morning.

No big deal, i thought. Went to my local flaps and got a new one, replaced it, so far so good.

Then i went online and low and behold found out that my car seems to have a problem with the battery draining.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Now, here's the question:

My car came with the "neat" feature of headlights that are always on. As soon as i turn the key, they light up, no matter if night or day.

How can i turn my headlights off so i can actually recharge the battery while driving during the day?
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Andy
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
 
 Reply to this topicStart new topic
Replies(1 - 18)
r_towle
post Mar 3 2009, 09:24 PM
Post #2


Custom Member
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 24,588
Joined: 9-January 03
From: Taxachusetts
Member No.: 124
Region Association: North East States
Google
VAGCOM

Download that and buy a cable from Ebay.
There is alot of info on how to use it on vwvortex.com
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ArtechnikA
post Mar 3 2009, 09:40 PM
Post #3


rich herzog
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,390
Joined: 4-April 03
From: Salted Roads, PA
Member No.: 513
Region Association: None
QUOTE(r_towle @ Mar 3 2009, 10:24 PM) *

VAGCOM

Download that and buy a cable from Ebay.
There is alot of info on how to use it on vwvortex.com


And yet more at the real site:

Ross-Tech Website

It's not 'VAGCOM' any more due to a silly trademark squabble with Volkswagen AG (a major purchaser of the product, BTW...) it's now officially "VCDS."

New name, same product.

It's a few more $$ but I always suggest supporting Uwe and buying a real cable from Ross-Tech. (I worked there for a few years but that was 3 years ago; I don't get anything from the sales except knowing that people who buy the real deal have far fewer problems...)

If you -do- buy a 'clone' interface cable, at least register the software (used to be $99). Real Ross-Tech cables act as a license dongle and include a fully activated license key.

DLR coding is frequently found under 'Central Convenience.' But there will be a section on the Ross-Tech site called "Things I can do with my car" organised by year and model.

But if the car in question has sloppy handbrake cables like many, the "cheater" way to turn off the DLR is pull up the handbrake a click.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
jonferns
post Mar 3 2009, 10:13 PM
Post #4


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,081
Joined: 29-March 07
From: New Jersey
Member No.: 7,631
Region Association: North East States
QUOTE
But if the car in question has sloppy handbrake cables like many, the "cheater" way to turn off the DLR is pull up the handbrake a click.


yep, thats what works on my jetta.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
effutuo101
post Mar 3 2009, 10:31 PM
Post #5


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,735
Joined: 10-April 05
From: Lemon Grove
Member No.: 3,914
Region Association: Southern California
It is designed to run with the headlights on.
I would suspect a bad battery as my Jetta was hard on them in San Jose. But, all in all, it was winter in Denver that finally killed my second battery.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
scotty
post Mar 3 2009, 10:45 PM
Post #6


The Fun Never Stops
***

Group: Members
Posts: 773
Joined: 20-May 03
From: Portland. Oregon (SW)
Member No.: 718
Region Association: None
QUOTE(ArtechnikA @ Mar 3 2009, 07:40 PM) *

QUOTE(r_towle @ Mar 3 2009, 10:24 PM) *

VAGCOM

Download that and buy a cable from Ebay.
There is alot of info on how to use it on vwvortex.com


And yet more at the real site:

Ross-Tech Website

It's not 'VAGCOM' any more due to a silly trademark squabble with Volkswagen AG (a major purchaser of the product, BTW...) it's now officially "VCDS."

New name, same product.



Not to hijack the thread, but...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif) Stupid Question: Would the VAGCOM (Ross-Tech) and cable be a must -have tool for a 00 Jetta 1.8T (just purchased used. runs great)? If the dang thing would work on a Subaru too, I'd be all-in!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
arvcube
post Mar 4 2009, 12:26 AM
Post #7


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 170
Joined: 25-September 07
From: poway, ca
Member No.: 8,147
some folks have pulled relay 173 out (DRL). Not sure if 173 is the DRL relay on 2002 models.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ejm
post Mar 4 2009, 05:34 AM
Post #8


I can see the light at the end of the tunnel
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,693
Joined: 3-February 03
From: Massachusetts
Member No.: 224
Region Association: None
If you think it's a charging problem check the alternator cable. The crimped ends get corrosion inside causing high restistance. Also check the battery fuse box for bad connections and melting. Your car does not have a central electronics module like the later cars so the DRL's cannot be turned off using a scan tool.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ArtechnikA
post Mar 4 2009, 06:26 AM
Post #9


rich herzog
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,390
Joined: 4-April 03
From: Salted Roads, PA
Member No.: 513
Region Association: None
QUOTE(scotty @ Mar 3 2009, 11:45 PM) *

Would the VAGCOM (Ross-Tech) and cable be a must -have tool for a 00 Jetta 1.8T (just purchased used. runs great)? If the dang thing would work on a Subaru too, I'd be all-in!

The Ross-Tech site explains this in much greater detail than I can here, so I won't even try to duplicate it.

for VAG cars (loosely, in North America, VW & Audi) VCDS provides 'native mode' diagnostics for every diagnostic-capable Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the car. For "many" vehicles, it also provides OBD-II diagnostic capability. I have used it with great success on my '97 and '04 Outbacks, and I found even the OBD-II data to be invaluable when performing the engine transplant in the '97 a couple of years ago.

It works on my Titan, too.

(Some American cars use a different ardware interface that is not compatible. So much for "standards." This is all on the Ross-Tech site.)

The real-time data acquisition of even the OBD-I channels and the ability to do trending and logging is extremely useful, IMO. I couldn't imagine trying to do service on a (diagnostic capable) VAG car.

The newer cars (I want to say MY 2005 and newer) use the CAN interface protocol and you will need a newer flavor of cable. Uwe went to USB because more and more smaller computers were coming without serial ports; they are now fairly rare. There is no performance advantage with UDB - the car speaks good ol' serial and so there are protocol conversions on both ends of the wire to make USB work.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
SirAndy
post Mar 4 2009, 12:59 PM
Post #10


Resident German
*************************

Group: Admin
Posts: 41,675
Joined: 21-January 03
From: Oakland, Kalifornia
Member No.: 179
Region Association: Northern California
QUOTE(ejm @ Mar 4 2009, 03:34 AM) *

If you think it's a charging problem check the alternator cable. The crimped ends get corrosion inside causing high restistance. Also check the battery fuse box for bad connections and melting. Your car does not have a central electronics module like the later cars so the DRL's cannot be turned off using a scan tool.

Mhmmm. I get 14.5V across the terminals when the engine is running. It seems the alternator is good.

But i'll check it and the fuses anyways.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) Andy
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
McMark
post Mar 4 2009, 03:11 PM
Post #11


914 Freak!
***************

Group: Retired Admin
Posts: 20,179
Joined: 13-March 03
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Member No.: 419
Region Association: None
If the current being produced by the alternator is greater than the current being drawn by the system (including headlights), then the battery stays charged. If not, your car will stall out on the side of the road with battery voltage drops too far.

So, something is wrong if you're not getting a full charge on your battery. Corrosion, failing alternator, failing battery to name a few possibilities. DRL is not the problem. But if you don't like them, do the ebrake trick.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ejm
post Mar 4 2009, 05:20 PM
Post #12


I can see the light at the end of the tunnel
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,693
Joined: 3-February 03
From: Massachusetts
Member No.: 224
Region Association: None
QUOTE(SirAndy @ Mar 4 2009, 01:59 PM) *

Mhmmm. I get 14.5V across the terminals when the engine is running. It seems the alternator is good.



Put a load on the system. Turn on everything and let it idle for a while, then see what the voltage is. Also check to see if any of the charging system connections are getting hot, this would indicate high resistance.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Cap'n Krusty
post Mar 4 2009, 05:36 PM
Post #13


Cap'n Krusty
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 10,794
Joined: 24-June 04
From: Santa Maria, CA
Member No.: 2,246
Region Association: Central California
After reading through this thread, I've noticed one GLARING error. Your alternator, as all automotive alternators, IS NOT a battery charger. It's a battery maintainer. You attempt to charge your battery by driving the car around for a while and you run a VERY REAL chance of toasting your alternator. Besides, you'd have to run around for about 24 hours, assuming the alternator lasts that long, to fully charge a discharged battery. A small battery charger costs about a third the price of your alternator, and you can use it on other cars ......................... DRLs don't put any real drain on a electrical system in good working order.

The Cap'n
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
MDG
post Mar 4 2009, 05:46 PM
Post #14


Wolf in wolf's clothing.
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 8,652
Joined: 3-February 09
From: Toronto
Member No.: 10,018
Region Association: None
as always the Cap'n is spot on; DRL's have been mandatory in Canada since 1990 and I never heard of it causing drained batteries. Sounds like something else was the cause.

Hope you figure it out Andy
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
pete-stevers
post Mar 4 2009, 06:25 PM
Post #15


saved from fire!
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,642
Joined: 10-October 04
From: Abbotsford,BC, Canada
Member No.: 2,914
Region Association: Pacific Northwest
bash em out....and throw it out
i will never own a late modle VW again
i had so many recurring electical charging problems with my corrado, and jetta
i decided to buy a jeep,
my opinions may be somewhat jaded (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
however i do still own a 79 rabbit...which i love dearly
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Cap'n Krusty
post Mar 4 2009, 06:41 PM
Post #16


Cap'n Krusty
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 10,794
Joined: 24-June 04
From: Santa Maria, CA
Member No.: 2,246
Region Association: Central California
I work on post 2000 (A4) J/G/NBs all the time, often 2 a day. I've sold 2 alternators in 9 years, a host of batteries at the 5-6 year age level, and other than that I've done almost no electrical work on these cars. Oh, lots of low beam bulbs, just like all the newer cars with DRLs, and several aftermarket radio installation repairs because of the Bozo installers at Circuit City and Best Buy who can't or won't read simple technical bulletins.

The Cap'n
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
sww914
post Mar 4 2009, 11:29 PM
Post #17


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,439
Joined: 4-June 06
Member No.: 6,146
Region Association: None
I think I'd use a 5 iron.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
highways
post Mar 5 2009, 02:54 AM
Post #18


Senior Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 613
Joined: 18-June 05
From: Los Angeles, CA
Member No.: 4,296
Disconnect the low beam power cable, splice it into the horn cable. Charging circuit now has continuity. Horn draws less current then headlights.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif)

User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
VaccaRabite
post Mar 5 2009, 07:51 AM
Post #19


En Garde!
**********

Group: Admin
Posts: 13,465
Joined: 15-December 03
From: Dallastown, PA
Member No.: 1,435
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
QUOTE(highways @ Mar 5 2009, 03:54 AM) *

Disconnect the low beam power cable, splice it into the horn cable. Charging circuit now has continuity. Horn draws less current then headlights.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif)

But everyone gets mad at you at night, while you are honking continously to keep your lights on. :-)

Zach
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
« Next Oldest · 914World Garage · Next Newest »
 

Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

Display Mode: Switch to: Standard · Linear+ · Switch to: Outline

Track this topic · Email this topic · Print this topic · Subscribe to this forum

- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 7th June 2024 - 02:01 PM
Invision Power Board v9.1.4 © 2024  IPS, Inc.
All rights reserved 914World.com © since 2002
914World.com is the fastest growing online 914 community!
We have it all, classifieds, events, forums, vendors, parts, autocross, racing, technical articles, events calendar, newsletter, restoration, gallery, archives, history and more for your Porsche 914 ...