VW Virtus Brake Warning: Faulty Switch Alert

I had the exact same issue with my 2020 VW Polo last month. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I initially thought it was a serious brake system problem, but it turned out to be much simpler. The brake light warning and tail light errors were actually caused by dirt accumulation around the brake switch connector. The brake pedal was working fine, just like in your case. No workshop visit was needed, I just cleaned the brake switch and its connector with electrical contact cleaner and the warnings disappeared completely. Before you start checking the brake switch though, it would help to know: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the warning appear when pressing the brake pedal or out of nowhere? Have you checked if all brake lights are actually working when someone helps you test them? Has there been any recent work done on the brake system? The brake switch on these VW models is pretty reliable, so its worth checking these basics before considering replacement. Sometimes what seems like a brake switch failure is just a connection issue that needs cleaning.

After getting my last service at 137349km, I faced a similar electrical issue. The technician found it was indeed the brake switch causing those unusual warnings. The switch replacement cost around 85€ plus labor. The brake light error messages stopped immediately after fixing it. Just make sure they test the brake pedal sensor connection before changing parts, as sometimes its just loose wiring causing these symptoms. A proper diagnostic check will quickly tell if its actually a faulty switch or something else in the brake system circuit.

Thanks for sharing your experience. On my VW Polo, I also had the brake switch replaced around that mileage. These automotive switches tend to wear out over time, especially with regular daily use of the brake pedal. The 85€ price for the brake switch is pretty standard. Good call on mentioning the diagnostic check, when I had mine done, they first verified the wiring harness was good before concluding the switch needed replacement. The service techs showed me how the old switch had worn internal contacts, which explained the intermittent brake light warnings. For anyone else reading who gets similar symptoms, unusual brake light failure warnings with normal pedal feel, its worth having the brake switch checked early. Waiting too long can lead to false warnings when you least expect them, and its a relatively straightforward fix once properly diagnosed. Since my switch replacement, zero brake light errors or warning messages have appeared in the infotainment system. These VW brake switches usually last the lifetime of regular service intervals when replaced with genuine parts.

Thanks for the detailed tips about the brake switch. Youre right, after following up on my initial issue, I can confirm it was definitely the switch causing those unusual warnings. The diagnostic test showed the exact same worn contacts you mentioned. The total repair came to 85€ for the switch plus labor, which seems standard based on what others paid. My vehicle safety system is now working perfectly, no more false tail light warnings or brake light errors popping up in the display. Been driving for about 2 months since the repair without any issues. For others seeing similar warning messages, make sure to get the brake switch connections checked first before assuming worse problems. A proper diagnosis saved me from unnecessarily replacing other parts. Since the switch replacement, the brake pedal sensor and all related systems have been working exactly as they should.