Winter Storage Gremlins have reared their ugly heads

**epeabs** · 04-18-2016 06:40 PM

I just pulled the S4 Cab out of winter storage. Everything worked when it was stored, now I have a couple gremlins that have popped up. The passenger brake light is now not working (brake light comes up on the pod). I have checked continuity on the bulb but it's OK. I have since tried a brand new bulb, an it hasn't been fixed. Any ideas? The next gremlin that has reared its ugly head is the convertible top light is on on the dash. I have opened and closed the top numerous times but it has not "corrected" itself. The front latches seem to be latching normally, I have even WD-40'd them it case they were sticking. When trying to close the top, the windows don't closed at the end of the process. They remain open the 6 inches from activating the top. I know this is not normal, since usually the windows completely close at the end of the close cycle. Again, I don't see what might be causing this. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks. (I originally posted this under B5 S4 forum but realized I improperly posted it, so now reposting in the correct forum).

**Failingboy** · 04-22-2016 12:03 PM

I had the same issue with the brake light warning light, with the bulb checking out fine. I took the light housing out and cleaned all of the contacts within the housing (metal strips and bulb connections) and used some electronics cleaner in both sides of the harness connection to the light. Hasn't been a problem since.

**epeabs** · 05-20-2016 08:10 PM

An update to my "Gremlins". I could not troubleshoot these issues myself, and had to bring it to a local Audi/VW shop. My Gremlins are merely RODENTS!!!!!! After troubleshooting the issues, it appears that a family of rodents (which I had seen some residue from) had taken up residence in my S4 during the New England Winter. Much to my dismay, they had dismantled (chewed) a ground somewhere dealing with the convertible top, and also chewed a power lead going to the brakelight. Now both issues have been solved with replacement wires, and a couple other unrelated issues have been corrected. Damn rodents cost me $2100.00. ARRRGGGHHHH! Next Winter I will be better prepared to prevent this from occurring again. But, the car is back on the road and it is still Spring. At least I am happy about that.

**jakeoboy67** · 05-21-2016 02:37 AM

Originally Posted by epeabs

An update to my "Gremlins". I could not troubleshoot these issues myself, and had to bring it to a local Audi/VW shop. My Gremlins are merely RODENTS!!!!!! After troubleshooting the issues, it appears that a family of rodents (which I had seen some residue from) had taken up residence in my S4 during the New England Winter. Much to my dismay, they had dismantled (chewed) a ground somewhere dealing with the convertible top, and also chewed a power lead going to the brakelight. Now both issues have been solved with replacement wires, and a couple other unrelated issues have been corrected. Damn rodents cost me $2100.00. ARRRGGGHHHH! Next Winter I will be better prepared to prevent this from occurring again. But, the car is back on the road and it is still Spring. At least I am happy about that.

oh that's shitty,
bounce dryer sheets everywhere next time

**Tugboatguy** · 05-22-2016 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by jakeoboy67

oh that's shitty,
bounce dryer sheets everywhere next time

That really works?

**jakeoboy67** · 05-22-2016 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tugboatguy

That really works?

seems to work, i've "winterized"(summerized?) snowmobiles like this.
seems efective in RV's too

**Mr. Corey** · 05-23-2016 07:16 AM

I use a car giant car bag that zips up but they still find a way to get in some years so I load it up with mouse traps, dryer sheets, soap, and moisture absorbing packets. Its a pain in the ass but after learning the hard way its worth the extra trouble to keep them from eatting up your ride.

**epeabs** · 05-25-2016 10:14 AM

My car was covered with a car cover and placed inside a Car Jacket. It was stored in a portable shelter with tarps all over the ground. The only location for the rodents to gain access was at the end of the zippered access where I had my electrical cord for the trickle charger. Didn't look like enough room to fit a pencil. Diligent little bastards.