Brake light failure

I've just noticed that my brake lights aren't working! I've looked at the fuses, I'm assuming it will be a 10amp, and they look fine. I've also checked the bulbs and they're fine too! Is it possible for the switch located at the pedal to have gone? I'm going to try and remove it all together tomorrow as this, if I'm not mistaken should activate it permanently and rule it out, I think.

If anybody has any ideas that would be great, thanks.

Tian :dontknow:

Hi, my tin top doesn't have a switch at the pedal -it has a switch on the master cylinder instead, but I do remember fiddling with a pedal mounted switch on a previous VW…possibly a MK2???
Anyway, connecting the wires at the switch should show the switch is faulty if the lights come on when you touch the terminals together. Otherwise, broken/disconnected live feed - check for live wire to the switch. Don't think there's a relay to the brake lights??
p.s. who is that on the beach???

Mine brake lights weren't working on my cabby when I got it.  I replaced the pressure switch on the master cylinder and hey presto!  Cant remember where I got it, must have been at the local motor factors I guess.  Make sure you check you brake fluid afterwards as some can leak out when changing this part.

Thanks lads, it's got to be the switch. I can't see that it could be anything else because it's such a simple circuit. I'll nip down to VAG and order one up. Typical it has to happen at Christmas I don't want to be grounded now!

Tian

ps as for the lady on the beach, I haven't got a Scooby Doo, sorry.

I'm going to buy a new brake switch from VAG but before I do is there anyway of testing the one I have that that a numb skull like me could do? I need to make sure as if I don't get it by Friday that's it, they also make THREE different switches so I have to take it out tonight when I get home and go along with it.  

Can someone also confirm that if the rest of the lamp cluster's working then it couldn't possibly be the fuse as I've only checked the 10Amp and they appear to be fine.

Thanks guys and sorry about being a dope.

Tian

Hello Tian,

You say you've looked at the fuses but have you tested them, some time they look ok but they are still blown!

You need a multi meter or a cirvuit tester, sidelight bulb and a couple peices of wire attched.

touch one wire to the positive/live side of switch and the other to ground if it lights you have power (fuse not blown, then try the other side, as the switch makes contact i.e. the pedal goes down the light should come on. if not the switch is faulty.

This test with bulb won't blow anything as the bulb will be in parrallel, it a common way of testing. See your haynes manual and cheepr than a multi meter!!!

Rob

Thanks Rob, I'll give it a go when I get home. It might be worth driving past Hafrauds on the way home and getting a circuit tester.

I don't have a printed manual, only one on CD that ew kindly gave me. Ideally I need a diagram of the fuses so I know for sure which one to check.

Tian :wink:

It's all there mate, page 409 onwards

ew said

It's all there mate, page 409 onwards

I'm sure it is, thing is my desktop's playing up so I'm on my iBook and it hates the file so it crashes all the time. I'll have another look tonight after dinner. I'll need something warm inside me if I'm going to be lying on my belly on the drive.

Tian

Should be fuse no2, second from the left, 10 amp.

ew said

Should be fuse no2, second from the left, 10 amp.

Thanks mate, I've just come in from checking them and they're all okay! (I even gave it a wiggle and a gentle thump)

I've taken the switch off the pedal now. My hands were too cold to test it so I'll just have to order a new one tomorrow from VAG.

I can't bear the thought of being unable to drive her over Christmas. :cry:
I do believe a snifter of JD to be in order!

Tian

just  thinking, One of my brake lights stopped working when I bought my cabby and I got a new bulb. Still was not working! so I cleaned the contacts in the holder and all sprang to life.

Understand its cold out tonight, I would also get the part, and at least you've got all angles covered for fixing it.

Good luck, Merry Christmas.

Rob

Dear Robb and ew. I couldn't rest without going out again and checking the brake switch and fuse. Turns out my fuse box was the culprit yet again! Thanks ew for leading me by the hand, I appreciate it! And Robb thanks for your top tips mate!

What would I do without this website?

I love my Cab'

Tian :cheer:  :cheer:

Glad you got it sorted