Re: 9N Problem
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:18 am
As others have suggested, have a look at the bulbs first. They should all be single filament, with a single contact on the bottom. Look at the wiring near the bulb holders to see if it's been hacked about.
As for the reverse lights, ours failed because the wire snapped near the plug on the gearbox. A new plug's a quid or 2 from the dealers, and a few minutes to solder/heatshrink it on. This could even be the source of an earthing fault, if a wire has snapped (or the switch failed internally) and is shorting to earth, or failing to give earth continuity.
VWs have always suffered corrosion on the contacts in the rear light clusters, leading to issues. Removing the bulbs and cleaning the contacts (switch cleaner/meths and a cotton bud, or wet&dry paper if it's really bad) may fix it!
Another possibility is rear washer pipe joint failure on the n/s side wall of the boot causing corrosion, hence poor connection on earth points situated below.
As for the oil use, it simply must be burning it, so expect piston rings, valve stem seals or head gasket.
As for the reverse lights, ours failed because the wire snapped near the plug on the gearbox. A new plug's a quid or 2 from the dealers, and a few minutes to solder/heatshrink it on. This could even be the source of an earthing fault, if a wire has snapped (or the switch failed internally) and is shorting to earth, or failing to give earth continuity.
VWs have always suffered corrosion on the contacts in the rear light clusters, leading to issues. Removing the bulbs and cleaning the contacts (switch cleaner/meths and a cotton bud, or wet&dry paper if it's really bad) may fix it!
Another possibility is rear washer pipe joint failure on the n/s side wall of the boot causing corrosion, hence poor connection on earth points situated below.
As for the oil use, it simply must be burning it, so expect piston rings, valve stem seals or head gasket.