susanice1
VW Amarok Brake Warning Light & Switch Issues Fixed
4 comment(s)
susanice1 (Author)
Thanks for sharing those details. Currently at 119976km, just had my service done last month. After testing as suggested, I can hear a faint click from the automotive switch, but it seems inconsistent. The brake pedal feel remains normal and firm. Already checked the brake fluid, its at the correct level and clear. The vehicle safety warning started about a week ago, and the tail light indicator came on simultaneously with the brake system error. Could be an electrical issue causing multiple symptoms. Will try cleaning the switch area first before considering replacement. Thanks for the tip about the contact cleaner, seems worth trying as a first step.
andreaswolf1
Thanks for those additional details. Since I had almost identical symptoms with my Tiguan, I can confirm the inconsistent clicking sound from the brake switch is a classic sign. When I cleaned mine, I noticed the switch mechanism was slightly sticky, causing intermittent contact issues. Just a heads up from my experience, while cleaning worked for me, having multiple warning lights appear simultaneously often indicates the brake switch is nearing the end of its life. After about 2 months, I eventually had to replace mine anyway as the electrical issue returned. The replacement brake switch cost around 45€ and took about 30 minutes to install. Make sure to disconnect the battery before any electrical work. The new switch resolved all warnings, both the brake light and system errors disappeared completely. Quick tip: While youre in there cleaning, check the wiring connector at the brake switch for any signs of corrosion or damage. In my case, there was slight oxidation on the terminals that I cleaned up during the process. Since youre at similar mileage to when I had the issue, and the symptoms match exactly, Id suggest having a replacement switch on hand in case the cleaning only provides temporary relief.
susanice1 (Author)
Appreciate the detailed follow-up and sharing your experience with the same issue. Based on your description, it does sound remarkably similar to what I'm dealing with. The brake fluid check was my first stop too, but since thats fine and the pedal feels normal, focusing on the electrical issue seems the right path. Will definitely try cleaning the brake switch area first as suggested. Interesting point about the switch replacement becoming necessary after temporary fixes, makes sense given the mileage. Think I'll order the brake switch now (found one for 42€) so I have it ready if cleaning doesnt provide a permanent solution. The multiple warning lights definitely suggest the switch could be failing. Having both the repair steps and likely costs is really helpful for planning. Will disconnect the battery before starting and check those wiring connections carefully when I clean the switch area. If the cleaning only works temporarily, at least I'll be prepared for the switch replacement. Thanks for all the practical advice, exactly the kind of real experience I was hoping to learn from before tackling this.
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andreaswolf1
Had a similar issue with my 2014 VW Tiguan, being fairly experienced with basic car maintenance but not a professional mechanic. The brake light stayed on and threw error codes just like yours. The issue turned out to be really simple, dirt and debris had accumulated around the brake pedal switch, preventing proper contact. No parts needed replacement. After carefully cleaning the brake switch area with electrical contact cleaner, the warning light disappeared and everything worked normally again. Total cost was 0€ since it was just basic maintenance. Important to note that while this fixed my problem, electrical issues and brake system warnings should always be taken seriously. Before attempting any fixes, could you share: Current mileage, Whether the brake fluid level is correct, If you notice any changes in brake pedal feel, When the problem first started, If the automotive switch makes an audible click when pressing the brake pedal This information would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced or if it might be something more serious requiring professional attention.