VW Fox Brake Light Switch Fix, Common Error Solved

Having dealt with a similar issue on my 2010 VW Polo Diesel, I can share some relevant brake system experience. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered with the brake switch on my car. The brake light warning turned out to be a simple fix, no parts needed. The brake switch just needed proper adjustment. The issue was actually user-related, some dirt and debris had accumulated around the brake pedal mechanism where the automotive switch is located. After carefully cleaning the area around the brake pedal and brake switch with compressed air, the error messages disappeared completely. Total repair time was about 15 minutes, and it cost nothing to fix. To help diagnose your specific case, could you share: Does the error appear immediately when starting the car? Are your brake lights working intermittently or not at all? Have you noticed any clicking sound when pressing the brake pedal? When was the last time the brake system was serviced? This information would help determine if your Fox has the same straightforward fix or might need actual parts replacement.

Just had my 85k service done last month and wanted to follow up. Spent some time diagnosing per your questions. The error shows up out of nowhere while driving, not at startup. The tail lights work fine but the third brake light is completely dead. No clicking sound from the pedal area. I cleaned around the brake pedal mechanism thoroughly as suggested but the warning persists. Given the symptoms and the fact the third brake light fails, I am now quite certain I need a brake light switch replacement. The switch seems to be a common failure point affecting vehicle safety at this mileage. Let me know if you agree this points to the switch being the culprit, rather than just dirt buildup. Want to be sure before ordering parts.

Having gone through this with my Polo, your follow-up definitely points more clearly to a faulty brake light switch. The unusual occurrence of the error message while driving, combined with the dead third brake light, matches the typical brake switch failure pattern in these VW models. Since cleaning did not resolve the issue like it did in my case, and considering your recent service history, a brake light switch replacement is the logical next step. The third brake light failure is a key indicator, when my switch eventually did fail months after the cleaning fix, it showed the exact same symptoms. The brake light switch is an essential vehicle safety component, and at 85k miles this type of failure is fairly common. The part typically costs around 25€ and takes about 30 minutes to replace. Just make sure to: Get the correct switch for your specific model year, Test the brake pedal function thoroughly after installation, Clear the error codes after replacement, Verify all brake lights including the third brake light work properly The tail light functioning normally but third brake light failing completely is almost always tied to the switch in these models, so you are on the right track with the diagnosis.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions about the brake light switch. Your experience matches what I was thinking, especially regarding the unusual error messages and dead third brake light situation. Good to know this is a common issue at my mileage point. Will order the brake light switch and tackle the replacement this weekend. The 25€ cost and 30-minute job seems reasonable compared to shop rates. Makes sense that the tail light works but the third brake light is dead, that connection through the automotive switch appears to be the weak point. Really helpful to know I need to clear those error codes after the switch replacement. Will make sure to test all brake lights thoroughly once the new switch is installed. Definitely want to ensure the entire brake system is working properly for safety reasons. Going to order the exact brake light switch for my model year now. At least this turned out to be a straightforward diagnosis and relatively simple fix rather than a more complex electrical issue.