Audi S8 Brake Light Switch Triggers System Errors

As someone with some automotive repair experience, I had a very similar issue with my 2019 Audi S7. The brake switch symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered. After seeing those same warning messages about brake light failure, I first thought it was a complex electrical issue. However, it turned out to be much simpler. The brake pedal switch connector had just worked itself loose over time. The fix cost nothing and took about 5 minutes. I just had to reach under the dashboard and firmly push the brake switch connector back into place until it clicked. No parts or workshop visit needed. Since then, the warning lights never came back. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Have you noticed any changes in brake pedal feel? Does the error message appear right after starting the car or during driving? Are your brake lights working normally when someone checks them while you press the pedal? These details would help determine if your situation is similar to what I experienced or if you might be dealing with a different automotive switch problem.

Thanks for the follow-up. After my last service at 57212 KM, everything worked fine for about 2 weeks before these issues started appearing. The brake light issue seems more consistent than what you experienced, the error shows up within a minute of starting the car, and a confirmed the brake lights stay dim even when pressing the pedal. The brake pedal feels normal though, with no changes in resistance or travel. Based on your experience and the consistent nature of my problem, it sounds like I might be dealing with an actual brake switch failure rather than just a loose connection. The brake system seems to need a proper switch replacement to resolve this electrical issue. Will schedule a proper diagnosis to confirm before replacing parts. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks for those additional details. Your situation does sound different from my loose connection issue, especially since the brake lights remain dim consistently and the timing coincides with your recent service. Based on how you described the tail light behavior and the consistent error messages, a faulty brake light switch is very likely the culprit here. In my S7, when I eventually had to do a proper switch replacement about a year after the loose connector incident, the symptoms were nearly identical to what you describe. The brake pedal feeling normal is actually a good sign, as it indicates the brake system itself is functioning properly. The switch is purely an electrical component that tells your car when youre pressing the pedal to activate the brake lights. The repair should be straightforward for a qualified workshop. When I had mine done, the automotive switch replacement took about an hour and cost around 200 Euro for parts and labor. Make sure they clear the error memory after installing the new switch, as sometimes the warning messages can persist even after fixing the underlying issue. Would recommend getting it addressed soon, as proper functioning brake lights are essential for safety.

Thank you for the valuable information. After reviewing your feedback and comparing my symptoms to your experiences, I believe I need to proceed with the brake switch replacement. The consistent dim brake lights and error messages appearing shortly after startup really point to a faulty switch rather than just a connection issue. Its reassuring to hear the repair should be straightforward and that the normal brake pedal feel suggests the actual brake system is fine. I have scheduled an appointment with my regular workshop for next week. They quoted roughly 180 Euro for the complete brake light switch replacement including parts and labor, which seems reasonable based on the cost you mentioned. Will update the forum once the repair is complete in case others experience similar tail light and infotainment system issues. Always helpful to document these electrical fixes for future reference. Thanks again for helping diagnose this automotive switch problem. Its good to have confirmation before spending money on repairs.