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patrickbrown4

Faulty Brake Switch Causing VW Touareg Warning Lights

My brake light keeps acting up with error messages in the dash and infotainment system. The error memory shows brake light faults. I suspect its the brake switch causing these issues. Has anyone experienced similar problems and gotten them fixed? Running a 2018 Touareg with gas engine at 103000km. Looking for feedback before heading to a mechanic since my last repair experience wasnt great.

4 comment(s)

barbararaven1

Recently dealt with similar brake light issues on my 2015 VW Tiguan. The electrical issue was indeed traced to a faulty brake switch, which caused intermittent brake light malfunctions and dashboard warnings. The brake switch is a common failure point in these cars, especially after 100000km. When it starts failing, it sends incorrect signals to the control module, triggering those error messages. In my case, the switch had worn internal contacts, causing sporadic electrical connections. The repair was straightforward but required proper diagnostic equipment to confirm the brake switch was the culprit. Some symptoms matched yours, unusual error messages and brake light warnings in both the dash and infotainment system. This wasnt a serious safety concern, but leaving it unfixed could potentially affect brake light operation and cruise control functionality. The switch replacement resolved all error messages permanently. Worth noting that brake switch problems often get misdiagnosed as wiring issues or blown bulbs. Getting a proper diagnosis from a shop with VW-specific diagnostic tools is important for accurate troubleshooting of these electrical issues.

patrickbrown4 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had exactly the same brake light issue with my 2018 Touareg last summer. The vehicle safety system was going crazy with warnings. Really glad to hear the brake switch replacement fixed it for you. Curious about the repair cost for your switch replacement? Mine was fixed but I wonder if I paid too much. Also, has everything been working properly since the repair? My brake lights have been functioning perfectly after the fix, but would be good to know if any other issues typically pop up later.

barbararaven1

Had my Tiguan checked at the shop and turns out it was not even a faulty brake switch, my floor mat was slightly pushed against the brake pedal causing intermittent electrical signals. The mechanic simply adjusted the mat position and checked the brake switch operation. No replacement needed. The vehicle safety systems have worked flawlessly since this simple fix, with no error messages or brake light warnings appearing. Total cost was 0€ since it was just a user error rather than an actual electrical issue with the brake switch. Sometimes what seems like a complex brake switch problem can have a surprisingly simple solution. Getting a proper diagnosis from a qualified mechanic is worth it, as they can quickly identify whether its truly a faulty component or just an obstruction causing false signals. Would definitely recommend having any brake-related warnings checked promptly though, as proper brake light function is crucial for safe driving. If the errors return, a proper brake switch replacement might be needed, but in many cases its worth checking for simple causes first.

patrickbrown4 (Author)

I went to a certified mechanic last week to get this sorted out. The brake switch ended up needing replacement, costing 180€ for parts and labor. Initially worried it might be something more serious with the brake system, but the fix was pretty quick, took about an hour. The mechanic showed me the old switch which had worn contacts causing those unusual electrical issues. Since the repair, my brake lights work perfectly and all those annoying dashboard warnings have disappeared. Really glad I got it fixed before winter since having reliable brake lights is crucial for safety. Much better experience than my previous repairs. The mechanic actually took time to explain the issue and show me the faulty part. No unnecessary extra work suggested either. Will definitely use them again if any other electrical issues come up. For anyone else seeing similar brake light warnings, getting it checked early saves a lot of headache. The repair cost was reasonable considering the hassle of dealing with constant error messages and uncertain brake light operation.

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