ronb

But I did eventually have to replace the rad as well ...

Just in case it helps someone else -- I had same problem but it turned out just to be a sender which had a tiny leak at the base where it screws in (according to the back-street fella that finally sorted it). Didn't leak unless under pressure -- so very hard to spot!

I've had the same problem with my 2001 1.9 tdi with the brake lights and the coil on the dash -- turned out to be faulty tow-bar wiring -- they'd used the clip-on leccy junctions and one was shorting out somewhere. Replacing it sorted it ...

I'd love to be able to see your images -- I've finally got my glove box off (2001 1.9 tdi), but can't see anything that looks like what's being described!