Brake light problems

[andy1280]

I just noticed a spring light flashing on dash and my back brake lights not working the strip break light is working but main brake lights are not any ideas guys??

 

[GlanzaV]

Brake switch under the brake pedal. You can get an updated version like this which shouldn't fail.

 

[andy1280]

Is it hard to replace?

 

[GlanzaV]

It's slightly akward because you have to lie upside down in the footwell, but it's really easy. 2min job.

Here's a guide for a mk1 Leon - The screws to remove the lower part of the dash will be slightly different but once you have access to the switch it's easy.

 

[GlanzaV]

In fact, reading that guide, the Leon seems more difficult. I rememeber when I did the ibiza it took 5min to get the lower part of the dash off and I never had to remove any other plugs or anything.

 

[andy1280]

Thanks il have a look later

 

[Ibiza fr tom]

Also, change the bulbs, more often than not, there a problem with the bulb, the bulb may still be working but there still can be a problem with it.

 

[andy1280]

Yeah I got it fixed thanks guys took about 5 mins to do also two brake bulbs had blown too

 

[RUM4MO]

Well today I was treated to a "fine" selection of warning lights, initially just the ABS and ESP, but later the engine fault light and EPC - second time with this car - Polo late 2002, asked wife to check brake lights - no lights on! Ah well, maybe six years is all you can expect from the original and the first improved version. Time for a trip to VW and keep the car off the road to avoid getting shunted! Only good bit is that that Polo seemed to miss getting its under dash covers fitted at factory.

 

[RUM4MO]

I bought the latest "6Q0" variant today, parts guy said "fit with pedal pressed down you need to hear/feel two clicks" - this is the second time I've done this job on this car, so changed switch - no brake lights! Switch plunger seemed to be solid, took switch off, now plunger is free to move again, checked pin1 > pin4 with plunger "out" and plunger "in" both times O/C!! Anyway, took rear clusters off and checked them = okay, had a look at circuit diagram, feed comes from large fuse that also feeds lights etc, other lights okay, refit rear light clusters, refit new switch again with pedal down, brake lights work now?? Now I have read the Leon thread and see that others have had some issues fitting these new switches. I'm just writing this in case it helps someone else when they do this job.

 

[RUM4MO]

What I failed to clear up was that these newest "6Q0" switches MUST be fitted with the pedal in the upper (rested) position.