VW Caddy Light Switch Nightmare, Fix Revealed

Having experienced similar electrical problems with a 2003 VW Golf, I can relate to your lighting system issues. After attempting basic troubleshooting, I discovered the dimmer switch and headlight switch assembly was indeed the culprit. The symptoms were nearly identical: unusual activation of lights and a stiff feeling when operating the light controls. The onboard computer also displayed lighting errors intermittently. My workshop identified a faulty connection in the headlight switch unit. The repair involved replacing the entire switch assembly due to worn contacts and damaged wiring connections. The total repair cost was 95€, including parts and labor. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Have you noticed any other electrical issues? Does the problem occur more frequently when its wet or cold? Are there any clicking sounds when operating the light switch? Has the car been in any accidents that might have affected the wiring? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if its potentially something else in the electrical system. Consider having a professional diagnose the exact cause, as electrical problems can sometimes be misleading and checking the entire wiring harness might be necessary if the switch replacement doesnt solve it.

Latest service was done at 58000km. After reading your reply, I decided to check the fuse box first before replacing any automotive switch components. You were right about the clicking sounds, I do hear them when using the headlight switch. The issue definitely gets worse during cold weather. The dimmer switch started acting up about two weeks ago, but I also noticed the power windows sometimes work intermittently. This makes me think there might be a broader electrical issue rather than just a faulty switch assembly. I will get it checked by a mechanic, but I am worried about the potential cost if its not just the switch that needs replacement. Based on your experience, do you think I should start by replacing just the headlight switch unit or go for a complete electrical system diagnosis?

Since you mentioned additional electrical symptoms like the power windows acting up, this does remind me of a similar progression I experienced with my Golf. While the headlight switch was the initial problem, I also started noticing other electrical gremlins before getting it fixed. The clicking sound from the car switch combined with weather-related issues strongly suggests corroded or worn contacts, but the power window problems point to a potentially larger issue. In my case, the mechanic found moisture had worked its way into the main fuse box, causing multiple electrical problems beyond just the tail lights and dimmer switch. The complete electrical system diagnosis on my car revealed: Corroded contacts in the headlight switch, Water damage in the main fuse box, Several compromised wire connections The total repair ended up costing 280€, significantly more than just a switch replacement, but it solved all electrical problems permanently. Based on these shared symptoms, I would recommend going straight for the full diagnosis rather than just replacing the switch, it could save money in the long run by addressing all related issues at once. The intermittent power window behavior particularly concerns me as it follows the same pattern I experienced before the larger electrical issues became apparent.

Thank you for sharing those additional details about your car lighting problems. Considering all the electrical symptoms occurring together, especially the power windows acting up, I will skip replacing just the switch for now. The clicking sounds from the light switch during cold weather, combined with the intermittent power window issues, make me think theres a broader electrical problem that needs addressing. Your repair experience with the corroded contacts and water damage in the fuse box sounds very similar to what I might be dealing with. I have scheduled an appointment for a complete electrical system diagnosis next week. While the 280€ cost estimate seems high compared to just replacing the headlight switch, I agree its better to fix all potential electrical issues at once rather than face repeated problems. I will update this thread once I get the diagnosis results and know exactly whats causing these symptoms. The mechanic should be able to determine if its just the switch assembly or if theres more extensive damage to the electrical system and fuse box connections. Thanks again for the detailed insight, it helped me make a more informed decision about how to approach this repair.