VW Sharan Brake Light Switch Fault Causes Multiple Alerts

I had the exact same issue on my 2007 VW Touran diesel last month. As someone with basic car maintenance experience, I initially thought it was a serious brake system problem, but it turned out to be much simpler. The brake switch replacement issue is quite common on these VW models. In my case, the vehicle safety warnings were triggered because the brake pedal switch was not properly adjusted. After checking online resources, I discovered the switch had slipped out of its correct position. The fix was surprisingly straightforward, no parts or switch replacement needed. The brake switch just needed to be properly reseated into its mounting bracket. There are two clips that hold it in place, and they sometimes work loose over time. After pushing it back in firmly until it clicked, all warning lights cleared and the brake lights started working normally again. To help diagnose your specific case: Can you hear any clicking sound when pressing the brake pedal? Are your brake lights working intermittently or not at all? Which specific warning messages appear on your dashboard? The brake pedal switch is a critical vehicle safety component, so if reseating it doesnt solve the problem, have a professional check it. But start with verifying the switch is properly mounted, it could save you an unnecessary repair bill.

Latest service was done at 40326km, about 2 weeks ago. Thanks for sharing your experience. After checking what you suggested, I can confirm theres a faint clicking from the brake pedal area. The brake lights work occasionally, which supports the theory about the brake switch being the culprit. The warning messages are mainly a general brake system fault and Stop/Start system malfunction. I tried reseating the switch as you described but the issue persists. Given the vehicle safety implications, I think I will need to proceed with a switch replacement. The automotive switch itself seems worn when inspecting it closely. Did you notice any particular challenges accessing the brake pedal area during your repair? Also, would disconnecting the battery be necessary for the replacement procedure?

Thanks for those extra details. Since you tried reseating the switch without success, replacing it definitely sounds like the right call. The clicking sound and intermittent brake lights are classic symptoms of a failing brake switch. When I replaced mine, access was fairly straightforward, no special tools needed. The brake pedal switch is located above the brake pedal, mounted on a plastic bracket. Just remove the lower dash panel (usually held by a few clips) to get clear access. Important notes from my repair: Disconnecting the battery isnt strictly necessary but recommended for vehicle safety, The new brake switch should click firmly into the bracket, Make sure the brake pedal is in its natural resting position during installation, After installation, press the brake pedal a few times to verify proper operation The repair took about 30 minutes. After replacement, all error messages cleared automatically on the next startup. The brake lights worked consistently again, and the Stop/Start system returned to normal operation. One tip: check if your cars computer needs a reset after the repair. In my case, cycling the ignition key a few times cleared all fault codes without needing diagnostic equipment. Let us know how the repair goes, always good to confirm the fix worked for other owners with similar symptoms.

Thanks for the helpful advice. Just wanted to update that I completed the brake switch replacement today. The repair went smoothly following the steps mentioned. For anyone else with similar issues: Total repair time was about 45 minutes, Disconnected the battery as suggested, Accessing the brake pedal switch was straightforward after removing the lower panel, New switch clicked in firmly and the brake lights now work perfectly, All warning messages cleared after reconnecting the battery The worn automotive switch definitely turned out to be the root cause. After replacement, the brake system warnings disappeared completely and the Stop/Start function is working normally again. The clicking sound from the brake pedal area is also gone. The dealer wanted 180€ for this repair but doing it myself cost only 35€ for the part. If you have basic mechanical skills, this is definitely a manageable DIY fix.