1998 Sharan/galaxy Electrical Problem

[galaxysharan]

Hi,

Bought a basic 2.0GL Petrol 1998 sharan a few months ago which I understand is a Galaxy in all but name.

It serves a purpose getting the 5 of us around plus the odd friend now and then but eats petrol and seems to go through brakes like nobodys biz.

 

It had some electrical problems when we bought it which are inconvenient but helped to lower the price and we've been living with them until we can afford to get them fixed:

-Passenger front electric window not working at all

-Central locking on all but driver's side rear door

-some ceiling courtesy lights not working

 

(We also have a raspy/rattling sound under car which needs sorting. It sounds like possible break in exhaust but I'll post separately about that.)

 

What worries me is that we now have electrical issues that threaten safety more directly:

-Passenger side front light bulb misaligned or not working - only main beam is now ok

-Rear passenger side brake light not working (noticed earlier this week)

-Reversing lights not working unless hold gearshift in reverse position (noticed today)

 

I'm no mechanic but fairly practically minded, I usually can solder my way out of problems with electrical appliances and have done a fair bit of home wiring but when it comes to car electrics I'll have a go but I need guidance.

 

If anyone has suggestions on how to sort ANY of these problems I'd appreciate it but I'm most concerned about the last two.

 

Cheers,

gs

[big_kev]

Electrical problems......

 

Firstly check the bulbs ( especially interior lights ) as they may have gone.

 

One of the regular problems with the Shalaxy's is the wiring between the doors and the body, especially drivers door and tailgate.

The wires are prone to breakages and can easily be inspected by removal of rubber gaiter.

These breakages play havoc with tailgate lights, electric windows and most especially central locking.

 

Also check your exhaust hasn't lost one of its rubber mountings, probably at the back.

[mk2vr6]

We also have a raspy/rattling sound under car which needs sorting. It sounds like possible break in exhaust but I'll post separately about that.)

 

possibly the heat shield for the cat? the fixings rust through and allow the shield to rattle like crazy!

 

Reversing lights not working unless hold gearshift in reverse position (noticed today)

 

the switch on the gear box has worn, common problem, the pin that pushes on the switch wears a groove in the switch, increaseing the distance between the switch and the pin so you have to push the gear lever into reverse and hold it against the stop to get the lights to operate, new switch needed