VW Fox Cruise Control Failure, Sensor Issue Alert

A similar issue occurred with my 2005 VW Polo TDI at 42000km. The cruise control failure was connected to a faulty brake pedal switch, which also triggered the dashboard light and error code. The root cause was a degraded connection in the wiring harness near the pedal switch. The throttle position sensor was testing fine, but the system was getting inconsistent signals from the brake pedal area. After checking the fuse box and finding no blown fuses, the diagnostic pointed to the pedal switch assembly. The repair involved replacing the complete brake light switch and cleaning the connector pins. This is a known weak point in these models, the switch connections can corrode over time and cause cruise control malfunctions. This was not a serious mechanical issue, just an electrical gremlin common to several VW models from that era. The repair was straightforward once properly diagnosed. Since the symptoms match, would suggest having the brake pedal switch connections checked first before exploring more complex components. The cruise control system needs consistent input from multiple sensors to function, but the brake pedal switch is often the culprit when the system fails suddenly like this.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the brake pedal switch repair. It sounds quite similar to what I am dealing with in my Fox. Before I take it to a shop, I wanted to ask, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the fix? Also, has the cruise control system worked reliably since the repair, or have you noticed any other electrical issues around the steering wheel or pedal areas?

Had the repair done last week actually, total cost was 95€ including labor to fix the cable connection. The brake pedal switch wiring was indeed the problem, just like I suspected in my first response. Since the repair, the cruise control has worked flawlessly with no warning lights on the dashboard. The mechanic also checked the clock spring and surrounding connections while doing the work, confirming there were no other electrical issues in the steering wheel area. The key was finding a shop that knew these VW models well enough to diagnose it correctly without replacing unnecessary parts. They identified the degraded wiring connection quickly and fixed it properly the first time. You should not experience any recurring issues once the faulty connection is properly repaired. These pedal switch problems typically only need fixing once if done correctly.

Thanks for the detailed feedback. I took my Fox to a mechanic yesterday who specializes in VWs. The speed sensor was actually fine, but just as you experienced, it was the brake pedal switch causing the cruise control failure. The total repair came to 110€ including parts and labor. The mechanic showed me the corroded wiring, it was exactly as you described. While checking the system, they also inspected the throttle position sensor and other connections around the steering wheel, but found everything else working properly. The cruise control works perfectly now and all warning lights are off. Really glad I asked here first, helped me go in knowing what to expect and avoid unnecessary parts replacement. Much better experience than my previous repair shop visits.