No horn, remote controls from wheel, faded message display

[Cona4474]

Hey, I read the disclaimer about searching through the site for an answer to my question before posting but I haven't had any luck or maybe my comprehension is poor. I just bought an 02 GLX 4Motion. 70K. Upon initial start, everything works. As time goes by, the red message display on the dash fades out, no cruise, no horn, no controls for radio. Please any ideas

[2002GLXV6]

The fading message display is well documented. Solution is to pull the gauge cluster and send it out for the display to be replaced, or live with it.
Try this link to solve your steering wheel control issues.
Steering wheel controls

[Jr.]

Before you do anything that drastic, have you checked your fuses?

And battery too, just in case.

[Cona4474]

I saw a few things about the display fade but was wondering if it is just a coincidence or is it related. Thank you for the steering wheel link.

[Cona4474]

Thank you, I haven't because I dont even know where they are yet.

[Jr.]

They're on the left side of your dash--the trim panel on the side of the dash pops off.

[Cona4474]

Like the Jetta?

[Jr.]

I think so.
Here are photos to help you out: (neither are mine)
VW Passat B5 - Fusebox3.jpg