Volkswagen Passat (1997 - 2000) - 00 1.9d Indicator won't stop clicking

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Wed 30 Jul 2008 14:22
00 1.9d Indicator won't stop clicking - New2TDI
Hi All,

My Passat has developed a problem with the indicator in the last week. The indicators and hazard work fine but when the stalk returns to the neutral position the clicking sound can still be heard. The problem has got worse over the week with the clicking coming on and off at will.

I have replaced the Hazard relay but this has not cured the problem.

I have searched the internet and can see that this is a common problem but have yet to find a solution. Can anyone help?

Thx
Bhav

Edited by Pugugly on 30/07/2008 at 22:11

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 30 Jul 2008 16:12
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - Screwloose

Left, right or both? Hazard switches are a common source of problems on all VAG cars.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 30 Jul 2008 16:32
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - New2TDI
The indicator stalk is in the central position when the clicking occurs (i.e. not indicating left or right).

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 30 Jul 2008 16:38
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - 659FBE
Second hand experience: The flasher relay fitted will continue to work if it sees a high resistance load such as can be caused by metal particles in the indicator switch caused by wear. This is apparently a common problem with middle aged town dwelling VWs.

Replacement is the better option (GSF sell them) but this involves steering wheel and airbag removal. I have been told that a really good flush-out with WD-40 or something similar will often work. It's best to remove the cowl and put plenty of rag underneath.

Give it a try and report back.

659.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 30 Jul 2008 22:03
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - dieselnut
It may also be worth checking the passenger footwell underneath the carpet & foam for water.
The comfort & convenience ECU lives there which is also linked into the indicators.
If any water has got in there (which is quite common) or into its cables, it might just provide the 'high resistance load' outlined by 659.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 31 Jul 2008 11:46
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - 547HEW
As usual, 659 is spot on.

Reported similar issue on my 2001MY Golf in June 2007. After replacing hazard switch/relay to no effect, tried "cleaning" indicator switch contacts by rapidly moving stalk up and down for 30 secs, with ign off. This fixed the problem, temporarily I thought. But 1 year later, and about 20,000 miles, its still OK.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 31 Jul 2008 13:24
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - New2TDI
Thx for all the suggestions. I'll give them a go and let you know how I get on.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 31 Jul 2008 13:52
2000 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - Mr.Tee43
Will second what 659 said.

I had the same problem on my Bora TDI.I replaced the hazard switch which contains the relay etc and it still continued to click.

My local independant changed the indicator stalk for £15 not including the cost of the part, and all has been well since.

I stripped the old one down and there is not a lot in it but agree that a build up of copper in the grease from wear in the tracks causes the problem.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 5 Jun 2011 16:06
2005 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - edtxw01

Thank you so much; fixed at last.

I have a 2005 1.9 TDI Trendline, the clicking relay problem has been driving me mad for the past 10 months or so. The dealer / garage changed the relay but 10 mins after driving away from the garage the problem returned.

I removed the two screws under the cowling, which is around the steering column, removed the top section to gain slightly improved access to the indicator switch. I then put the tube of the WD40 can into the top of the switch and flushed the switch with WD40 while moving it up and down. I did this two or three times, cleaned up the WD40 overspill and reassembled.

You could probably do it without removing the cowling.

The problem has gone and the indicators work as good as new.

Why didn't the dealer / garage to this!!!

Thanks again.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 6 Jun 2011 12:34
2005 1.9 Diesel - Indicator won't stop clicking - TeeCee

> Why didn't the dealer / garage to this!!!

'Cos there's no profit in ten minutes work and a squirt of WD40?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From economical vans to those that have the largest payloads, we have a shortlist for everyone - click to find out which will suit your needs.

Undecided on which van to buy? Our Top 10 shortlists can help...