Brake Light Switch Fix

[Hilal]

Ok, so for the past few days, I kept getting the EPC light coming up on my dash, really annoying, also noticed that the switch wasn't making the relay clicking sound every time it was pressed, turned out my brake light wasn't coming on.

I stopped on the side of the road, removed the switch from the top of the brake pedal, disconnected the harness and started observing it, pushed the plunger all the way in, made the table tie sound, I didn't really care because I "thought" it was stuffed, so I just kept playing with it and then pulled the plunger back out, sounds like your tightening a cable tie.




The switch looks like this, but its got a brownish cover;




The part that you need to take extra care with is installing it.


This is what it will look like when its removed.



When your installing it, make sure your foot is not on the brake pedal, make sure the plunger is touching the brake switch bracket, not the side of it, if you don't put the plunger on the brake switch bracket when trying to install it, it will break, a new one will have to be purchased.

This switch is self adjusting and when your installing it, it will make a cable tie zip sound.

You have to put it in this way.. and spin it clockwise so it locks in place, but like I said earlier, MAKE SURE THE PLUNGER IS ON THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BRACKET, not on the side of it, not on the top of it, not on the bottom of it.





Now all you need to do is install the loom.


Turn on the Reds (ON position) and press the pedal, if you hear a relay clicking every time you press it, then you've fixed it without needing to buy another. If it still doesn't work, give it another shot. If all fails, then you'll need a replacement from VW.

I didn't need to buy a replacement to make it work, re-adjustment of the plunger seemed to work just fine.

[Jmac]

Nice to see you had a win, have to say im pretty sure you will need a revised switch to fully rectify. Been repairing these vehicle for over 20 yrs and Porsche included which uses the exactly the same switch and they are a known fail item. The new switch is revised and even looks way different, VW have taken the time to update. The new one is square with a circuit board as opposed to the cylindrical one fitted. If you dont you are way better than me as ive always had to upgrade to the New revised one. Not that dear anyway
Cheers
Jmac

[Hilal]

Yeah, I think I'll need a switch in the future but its a good fix for anyone who has had this problem and like me, I cant get access to a replacement over the easter break. Very dangerous driving without brake lights.

[Tarq57]

Just don't use the brakes.