Intermittent fast blink in MK4 jetta

Hi guys, I have an 04 jetta Tdi An I'm having an issue of an intermittent fast blinker noise. Sounds like its coming from the area of the 4ways switch on the dash and its worse when the car is cold. It sounds just like there would be a turning signal bulb out but it does it when none of the signals or 4ways are on. Any ideas what we got going?

It's common for that switch to go out, there is a recent thread somewhere with the part numbers and replacement procedure

i didn't see the thread, so NAPA # 6003640. Pull a blank to access the lock on the side of the switch. One side should do.

Ok cool. Thanks a lot jmodge!! -Joe

Any mk4 hazard switch will work. Go to the junkyard and pull one, it will be practice so you don't destroy your dash.

So i replaced the hazard switch with a new one from IDparts and the symptoms persist just like before.... Where do i look next?

Fast blinking is caused when a bulb is out. It is designed to make you go looking for the dead bulb. If it is doing it intermittently, then wait until the next time it is blinking fast, then pull over and get out. Then find the bulb that appears to be dead. Later you can pull that bulb and check the socket.

I have one of those in my wife's NB. Happens every year or so. I pull that turn signal assembly*, remove the bulb, and bend out one of the contacts at the bottom so that it has more spring pressure against the bottom of the bulb. Then the problem goes away for another year or so.

I'm thinking I need to engineer some LEDs for it, but I have too much else going on in the house and my 4-dr right now.

Cheers,

PH

* - Meaning the light bulb assembly that goes into the bumper.

It's the contacts in your turn signal stalk....

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=317058