Brake Lights/switch

[odjuk]

I have a Gal 04 TDI Zetec, about three weeks ago I had the abs light on the dashboard all time on then eventually it disapeared without me doing anything. This week I have a flashing glow plug light on the board and no brake lights at the back, after searching the forum and FAQ, I have replace the brake light swtich twice, ( the first one from Frod I thought it was not good, then I bought a second one from Audi (the four pins) When I installed the switch as per the FAQ, it goes int he metal hole/slot easily I didn't have to force it or break anything the only thing I noticed on the FAQ it say trun it anti- clockwise to put it home, mine went it clockwise (it should not be an issue I know it's sitting very confortably) So 2 new switches and still no brake light however if i put the old brake switch back in the brake lights are on all time whether i press the brake pedal or not (including the hight brake light on the tailgate). Is there s dedicated fuse for this switch. Vagcom gave me this erro with the old switch: Brake switch (F) Implausible signal :D :46:

[gregers]

iirc do you have to pull the plunger out on the new switch ??

[big_kev]

The brake switch is on a self-adjusting plunger arrangement.

 

Fit the switch.....push pedal as far down as possible ( helps if engine is running ).

Whilst pedal is down pull the plunger as far out as possible then gently release pedal.

 

The plunger will self adjust to the correct position.

 

Failure to do this will result in the plunger being in too far and the system will think that the pedal is being pushed down and hence the brake lights will be permanently on.

This explains your old brake switch problem.....it was probably just sticky.

 

You need to check the part numbers on your new brake switches match the old one or at at least a compatible replacement.

[odjuk]

iirc do you have to pull the plunger out on the new switch ??

 

What I have done with the first switch is I unplugged the wiring and removed it from the metal hole, plugged it back so the plunger is loose yet still no lights at the back. if I plug the old one inside or ouside the metal hole the lights are on permanently. Now I have it with a second new switch in the metal hole sitting nicely doing nothing whether the pedal is pressed or not, no brake lights at all.

[odjuk]

The brake switch is on a self-adjusting plunger arrangement.

 

Fit the switch.....push pedal as far down as possible ( helps if engine is running ).

Whilst pedal is down pull the plunger as far out as possible then gently release pedal.

 

The plunger will self adjust to the correct position.

 

Failure to do this will result in the plunger being in too far and the system will think that the pedal is being pushed down and hence the brake lights will be permanently on.

This explains your old brake switch problem.....it was probably just sticky.

 

You need to check the part numbers on your new brake switches match the old one or at at least a compatible replacement.

 

Thanks Bkey, I should try that, it still does not explain why with the new switch not home in the metal (loose) it didn't lit up the brakes. Any fuses involved in the circuit? ( the part number is the same I got from both dealers when I showed them the old black switch both the pulled the newest green switch).

[big_kev]

It appears some of the information given from myself ( and others ) is incorrect and only applies to the older version of brake switches.

 

Further information compliments of the boys at vw vortex

 

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1158315

 

This may explain things better.

 

Apologies for any confusion.