Brake lights not working

[whitecabby]

Well, I've been driving around for two years without brake lights and I'm thinking this may be the summer to figure out why. I have mastered the surprised "oh - really??" face for the kind people that periodically inform me at stop lights that my brake lights are out. Needless to say, I don't drive in a large city.

I checked all of my fuses initially and found no problem. Where would be a good place to begin attempting to problem shoot this?

Thanks Josh

[CalAltaDubber]

Since the break lights are all inoperative, (I'll assume that you did check the bulbs), it is best to start with something that's common in the system.

I'd start with the brake light switch located under the dash. It is a small black plunger that the brake pedal pushes in when you put your foot on the brake.

It is removed by a 1/4 turn and has an electrical connector on the back. Make sure the wires aren't damaged, and if you have a VOM it should read 0 Ohms across the connector with the plunger pressed in.

If you don't have a meter, just short the two pins together on the connector that was removed from the switch, and the brake lights should all illuminate.

If you don't get 0 Ohms or the lights work, depending which test you do, the switch is duff and needs to be replaced. My understanding is they are still available at your local VW dealer. And not too expensive. The same switch was used until the early MK IV models ( I had a 99.5 Jetta and it used the same switch).

Hope that helped.

[Briano1234]

Check for your grounds at the tail lights after you verify that the switch is good or bad, which it probably is bad.

[whitecabby]

Thanks - this was real helpful.
I just found the switch on ebay. Not pricey at all; about $16. That being said this maybe the first part I get the pleasure of robbing off my parts car : )

[CalAltaDubber]

I'm curious how you made out with this.

[whitecabby]

Phil, I will re-post when done. Sadly, with four kids and soccer, softball, girls on the run, and taekwondo there's not much 'me" time right now!

I did pull the switch out of my parts car but haven't had a spare moment to pull the switch out of my good car. Josh

[CalAltaDubber]

I hear ya, I was just curious. But you are right. Family first.

[whitecabby]

Hey Phil, I just wanted to let you know I've not made it back to this repair. I have finally gotten through some other issues and have it back on the road. If my kids would stop having tournaments I might pull off 30 minutes of "me" time! I will let you know how I fair on this though, however slow I might be.. Josh

[CalAltaDubber]

I totally understand. That's one of the reasons my Posh Bunny project took five years.