Troubleshooting Turn and Brake Lights not Working with Running Lights on, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Updated 05/04/2011 | Published 05/03/2011

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Question:

I have the same problem than the VW GTI guy. After I have wired the kit according to the 2-wire method into my 2009 Rabbit, turn and stop light are working as long as the running light is not on. I have tried also the different 3-wire methods w/out success. This Rabbit has on 2 wires going to a combined turn/running light and to a combined brake/running light. Help?

asked by: Hendrik F

Expert Reply:

With a 3 wire system:

If your Rabbit has combined stop and tail lights AND has an additional tail light wire independent of the stop light wire, here is what you will need to do. Attach the red stop light wire from the harness to the combined stop and tail light circuit. Then attach the brown wire from the harness to the independent circuit. Turn signal functions will need to be tapped into at the front of the vehicle at the headlight assemblies.

If the vehicle has a 2 wire system:

The trouble is that the 2008 and and newer VW Rabbit and GTI have more than one wire that carries tail light and brake functions. You need to locate the one that provides a 12 volt signal when the brake is applied and when the running lights are engaged. To test specific voltage, use a multimeter like #PT89ZR.

If the wire you test gets pulses of power or is otherwise inconsistent, it is not the correct wire. Turn signal functions will need to be tapped into at the front of the vehicle at the headlight assemblies.

expert reply by: Michael H