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Volkswagen Eurovan DIY Tips

70 messages,  Last post on Jan 21, 2013 at 9:22 PM

You are in the Volkswagen Eurovan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen EuroVan, Volkswagen Vanagon, Van

Share tips for performing your own maintenance and repairs on your Eurovan.

Messages Page 1 of 7

#1 of 70 Volkswagen DIY Tips by claires HOST

Mar 19, 2007 (11:15 pm)

This is the place to share tips for performing your own maintenance and repairs on your Eurovan.

#2 of 70 Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan by wholesolutions

Feb 03, 2007 (9:11 pm)

I had some strange electrical symptoms: the brake light in the instrument cluster stayed on even though the parking brake had been released. Along with this the headlights would not come on and the climate control system didn't work. Thanks to this message board someone had a trick posted: try to turn the ignition key to the start position after the car is already started. This worked for a while. Eventually I had to hold the key and apply a clockwise torque to it to keep the symptom from reappearing. This wasn't going to work so I called the guy at EuroParts in San Diego and he said the ignition switch is a high failure item and that they were less then $10! Being a doit yourselfer and a former electronics tech and now engineer I figured, no problem, change the ignition switch. Ha! It was very challenging. There is a phillips screw that holds the switch in. With virtually no access for tools. Without going into all the contortionistic and extension tools attempts I made to remove this screw I finally got it out by heating a small (#1) phillips screw driver shaft red hot with my propane torch and then bent the tip of the screwdriver to just the right angle to get around behind the shy screw. turning the screw no more than 90 degrees at a time I got it out. Replacement of the screw involves creative use of chewing gum. The operation was successful, my electrical problem is solved!
This forum is great!

#3 of 70 Re: Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan [wholesolutions] by 03eurovan

Mar 02, 2007 (3:41 am)

Replying to: wholesolutions (Feb 03, 2007 9:11 pm)
Sounds like your the man for ideas on the Eurovan...I have a 03 GLS, just changed out my front brake pads and rotors, I bought official VW parts, did the work myself, problem is the idiot light warning me of front brake pads worn did not go out after the change. Just wondering if you had any ideas before I take it back to the dealer to get "robbed"...

#4 of 70 Re: Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan [03eurovan] by wholesolutions

Mar 02, 2007 (9:33 am)

Replying to: 03eurovan (Mar 02, 2007 3:41 am)
Actually I do have an idea for you. The warning light for the brake pads is triggered by a wire that runs through all four brake pads. If that wire is broken any where, or disconncted any where along its long route through the car the light will stay on. The sensor works when the pads wear out they open the circuit.

#5 of 70 Re: Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan [wholesolutions] by 03eurovan

Mar 02, 2007 (11:13 pm)

Replying to: wholesolutions (Mar 02, 2007 9:33 am)
So what its looking like than, since I have already changed all four front pads, is that I have a broken wire somewhere from where it connects by the calipers to the computer?? Wow it looks like I will be going to the dealer to get hosed. Thanks for the speedy reply...

#6 of 70 Re: Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan [03eurovan] by cquigley

Mar 15, 2007 (7:21 am)

Replying to: 03eurovan (Mar 02, 2007 11:13 pm)
I have a 2001 Eurovan GLS. I had the same problem with the brake light. It's been on now for about two years. Even the dealer told us they couldn't get it to go off. It must be a wire, like someone else said. I guess we'll eventually look for it and see if we can fix it.

#7 of 70 Re: Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan [cquigley] by 03eurovan

Mar 15, 2007 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: cquigley (Mar 15, 2007 7:21 am)
Two Years!!! I can't handle that damn warning light and tone everytime I start the van, enough is enough. I am taking the van to the dealer next week since it still is under warranty, even though I changed the brakes myself, they said they will look at the light and try to fix it. My bet is they are going to tell me its faulty wiring and for some reason or not I will have to pay for something. Other than this brake issue everything else about my 03 van has been great. I will let you know next week what the dealer found out...until then.....

#8 of 70 Re: Replacing the ignition switch on a 2002 Eurovan [03eurovan] by 03eurovan

Mar 19, 2007 (4:33 pm)

Replying to: 03eurovan (Mar 15, 2007 8:33 pm)
Just an update for anyone who listens. As for my brake warning light that wont extinquish even after changing the front brake pads, which by the way is what the owners manual says it is, when warning light comes on, it indicates FRONT brake pads are worn. Well I just got back from the dealer, and he tells me that the back pads are worn too!!! I say "so what", that doesn't explain why my warning light is still on. They tell me that the back pads have the same warning wiring imbeded in the pads, so when the pads wear to that limit, they ground out too, just like the front. So take warning Eurovan owners, the manual is not CORRECT!!! Looks like I will be changing my back pads this weekend.....

#9 of 70 2002 week-ender by uj53

Jun 26, 2007 (10:11 pm)

Just how good are these VR6 motors? I have read a lot of good reports on these motors. Any info appreciated Hopefully, uj

#10 of 70 2002 Eurovan by uj53

Jun 28, 2007 (4:21 pm)

Messages Page 1 of 7

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