[siberian]

Given the ice and snow 66 degrees North, the park assist is basically useless as any snow or ice accumulation on the sensors causes them to display as though you've just hit a wall. Is there any way to feed this back to VW to see whether heating elements can be devised for:

1) Park Assist
2) Tail lights that become frosted over with ice and snow so bad they're useless

Or any suggestions as to how to solve this?

Also is there any way to (other than install an external source) add the rear anti-collision light as in Europe? White outs as happened last night make it such that you can't see 3 feet in front of you.

siberian

 

[Vegas Matt]

Would a thick coating of wax help over the taillights to keep the snow/ice from building up too heavily on them? Or perhaps Rain-X? Just thinking about it, it seems that with either of those if the accumulation got too heavy it would slide off.

For the rear fog light, it has been installed by some folks, but I've never heard of anyone doing it on a 2008+ model. I don't know if the controller/wiring are the same as the earlier models. There have been a few threads about it on here. In fact, Rose Lane Garage recently added it to his Touareg, and was discussing issues with DenverBill in a thread within the last few days.

Matt

 

[siberian]

Thanx Matt I'll try that - just hope it don't see the wax as a wall

As to the anti-collision light, it's surprising that they didn't do a single housing and just left the wiring capped instead of (I presume) use a separate housing.

siberian

 

[Vegas Matt]

I don't think the housing was the issue, at least on the non-tinted T1 taillights. Apparently, the socket for the bulb is there, but the wiring from the light controller (behind the large trim panel on the right-rear) to the socket is absent. Therefore, you have to fish the wire from the controller into the tailgate, as well as add a euro-style headlight switch to control the rear fog.

Matt

 

[DenverBill]

Siberian, read the fog light thread in the FAQs on Vortex for some background on the rear fog installation. I think the 2008s probably require the same procedure as previous years, along with the use of a Euro headlight switch. A tech who has experience installing the trailer electrical modules could likely do the mod in less than an hour.

 

[siberian]

Thanx Matt and DenverBill. I dare say the light should be on the LEFT rear not right rear for obvious reasons. I can't see any socket in the 08s other than the two in the housing. I'll check the FAQs though. Thanx
siberian

 

[siberian]

Where is this Vortex file?

Matt, euro style switch?? Any on/off switch with a relay will work I presume.

siberian

 

[DenverBill]

Vortex = VWVortex.com; great source for all things VW. You have to have the European light switch to be able to turn on the rear fog light; there is no position on the US switch for the rear light, at least on my 2004. It is much simpler to just use the Euro switch than to add an additional wire run, relay, and toggle for just the fog.

 

[siberian]

Ach so... thanx. Of course a Euro switch will run 832.13 plus ship to AK will add another 200 bucks

I still haven't found anywhere in the housing that would accommodate a spare receptacle for the fog.

Any clues re. the park sensors?

siberian

 

[DenverBill]

Euro light switch is available from ECSTuning.com for $79.95, and others. Did not check on shipping, but they sent mine to me by US Postal Service.

The fog bulb is located on the driver's side toward the center of the vehicle next to the backup light bulb. Aircooled took a picture of mine that can be viewed in the FAQ threads on VWVortex.com.

 

[siberian]

Cool thanx DenverBill, I'll check it out.

siberian

 

[jasoncolorado]

Although I am sure I dont have the problem as much as you do....I too have the problem with the parking sensors in the snow here in Colorado.

 

[siberian]

Shoulda've made a defrost option as well as for the tail lights...

siberian

 

[fincher]

I have this issue with the front sensors and snow. I simply turn it off when it happens.

 

[siberian]

Sounds like when you have a rattle then turn the radio up

siberian

 

[nickm]

Same problem in winter with the parking sensors...the tailights clog up with snow, but then again I find just about every modern vehicle does this (must be the aerodynamics), but especially anything with a hatchback.

FWIW the old Merc Benz ribbed tailights were designed that way because they avoided building up snow or dirt...the ribs further out would collect the snow/dirt and the inner ribs would remain clear to allow the lights to remain visible...