Volkswagen Repair: 1998 Jetta wiper issue, jetta wolfsburg, bump in the road

Question
I have 1998 Jetta (Wolfsburg) 4CYL 2.0L and seem to have an annoying issue with the wipers that will come on by itself.  The wiper switch would be off, but all of a sudden the wipers would come on.  I would then have to put it on delay then off, but that doesn't always work.  Right now I've removed the 20A fuse for the wipers.

Is it wiper switch or could it be the wiper relay.  If it is the switch, how much work is involved to get it replaced.  doesn't look like a do it yourself seeing that it looks like the steering will have to be partially moved.

thank you for you time.

Cristo

Answer
Hi Cristo;
This is difficult to diagnose correctly without looking at the actual car, but I will go with the percentages here.  Most often it is the wiper switch itself.  Especially since you say they just come on.  I presume this is after hitting a bump in the road or something like that.  Also, because you say that the delay, doesn't always work.  That also is a problem with the switch.  These are a fairly expensive repair, because the airbag has to be removed from the steering wheel, and the "multi-function" switch has to be removed at the same time.  Volkswagen doesn't call it a multifunction switch but I do.  It controls the bright lights, and the turn signals.  Anyway, both the multifunction switch, and the wiper switch are held together at the same point, and they both need to be removed to replace one or the other, so it's a fairly involved job.  Shop around if you can, and look for a reputable dealer, or shop with good customer comments.  I hope you are successful.  Good luck.