Brake light switch [SOLVED]

[rapid_f1]

Hi all

I have a VW polo 2000 and the brake lights on one side not working as the bulb blew. Changed the bulb and sometimes the brake lights will work mostly they wont. Searched around and a lot of people are saying its the brake light switch that needs replacing.

Where can I find this switch on the car? Is it easy to replace? Does anyone know what the fuse number is? Oh and the EPC light is and has been on for while. I have the haynes manual.

[rapid_f1]

did a bit of messing about...

changed both brake light bulbs and the fuse (10A no. 15) still only intermittent.

then i pressed the brake pedal on off about 6 times in quick succession and the brake lights started working (i checked in the rear view mirror against another car). turn the ignition off then it stopped working. done the same pressing brake pedal 6 times and it started working again. really strange.

[alexperkins]

switch is above the pedal - its a common fault.

Just replace it

[rapid_f1]

i can see a hatch with a screw on and a hollow is it under the screw and does it just pull out.

anyone know wheres the best place to buy a replacement?

[alexperkins]

Yes just remove that undertray above the pedals

and VW mate - i wouldnt get one from anywhere else!

[rapid_f1]

sorry for all these nanny questions as ive never bought any parts but do you just bowl upto a dealer and ask for a brake light switch? I read somewhere they should cost no more than a tenner?

[alexperkins]

They are abut £20 from what I remember. Ye just a brake light switch for your polo. Theyll ask for the reg etc.

[rapid_f1]

ok thanks for that mate much appreciated.

[lolhoward]

I paid 6 to 8 quid for mine recently from dealers. As said only get a VW one. There only cheap and non VW ones are of a poor quality

[emma_88]

I bought a brake light switch about 3 weeks ago - £8.81 exactly

[pvr]

Great advantage of driving an older car - the parts are so much cheaper then the newer equivalent.

[alexperkins]

depends on the part you are buying

[rapid_f1]

Thanks for all the help - bought a brake light switch today for £9.25 from VW dealer.

I had the Haynes manual so it didnt take long to change the part. I will write a how-to here so other people can benefit. My brake lights work again!!