Three problems related to dash wiring have been reported for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving my car, 1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS, from the store, I notice that the check engine light came on and then my thermostat started to go back and forward like it was out of control, then smoke came out of my vents inside of my car. I thought this was strange, that smoke(white smoke) came from inside my car, so I stopped the car and opened the hood, but nothing was burning from under the hood. I told my husband about this and we took it to our mechanic who diagnose that the wiring harness was gone or was burned out. I then asked him how much it would cost to get it fixed and he stated that this could be a costly job. I needed my car fixed so I took it to a european specialist auto shop and they fixed it for a cost of $800. 00 plus tax!!!!! this was outrageous, but I needed to get it fixed. Where can I call to get my refund??? this is entirely a lot of money!!!!!.
Electrical systems failed and caused alarm to go off, power windows not to open or close. Took to mechanic, who replaced lock system which helped for awhile. Took it back again, and this time mechanic located electrical wires that had fused together under dash and were causing electrical failure.
Driving for 1/4 mile at about 20 mph - strong burning smell and smoke from under dash board - pulled over - turned car off - tried to start car after a few minutes but no electricity at all (completely dead). This could have been a very seriously incident on a conjested highway.