Brake light switch replacement 99-05 VW Jetta,Golf,GTI,Cabrio

  In this page we will illustrate how to replace the brake light switch ( aka stop light switch ) on a 2001 VW Jetta 2.0 L equipped with a manual transmission.

Even though the vehicle we are working on is a 2001 model, the steps will be similar for 1999-2005 VW Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio.

The owner of the vehicle noticed that the EPC light came on as she was driving, when she turned the car off she also noticed that the brake lights were still on, since the car has a manual transmission she was able to drive it to our shop, in most cases, vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions are not able to shift from park to either drive or reverse when the brake light switch goes out.

This particular problem is very common on VW vehicles, VW has upgraded the design of the brake light switch to eliminate this problem, follow the steps shown in this page to learn how to install the upgraded brake light switch on this particular vehicle.

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

  

 As you can see on the image the EPC light was on, at the same time the brake lights remained on without depressing the brake pedal.













 To gain access to the brake light switch it is necessary to remove the driver's side lower cover panel, to do so, remove the clips that keep it in place and remove it from the vehicle as shown on the image.












 Make sure that the ignition is off and the key is removed, disconnect the connector from the brake light switch by pressing on the plastic tabs with your fingers and pulling it away from the switch at the same time.













 Remove the old brake light switch by turning it counterclockwise 45 grados and pulling it out of the mounting hole as shown in the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 As you can see on the image, the brake light switch on the left is  the new upgraded design, its design is slightly different from the original but the electrical connector remains the same. 












 Before installing the new switch on the vehicle, lubricate the plunger with a light coat of lubricant ( G 052 142 A2   or equivalent ) as shown on the image.

 

 

  

 Install the new sitch inserting it fully into the mounting hole pressing the plunger against the brake pedal to adjust plunger position, make sure that the brake pedal is in the resting position DO NOT depress NOR hold the pedal up as you install the new brake light switch, secure switch and plunger position by turning the switch slowly fully to the right ( clockwise) aprox. 45 degrees to its stop.

IMPORTANT: a click should be heard when the switch is turned to the correct position. This action locks the plunger adjustment. 









 Once the new switch has been installed correctly, connect the electrical connector back on and start the vehicle, the EPC light should come on for a few seconds only indicating that the system is working, but it shouldn't stay on.

Verify that the brake lights are not on and ask an assistant to depress the brake pedal to verify that they are working properly, if everything is working ok., proceed to install the lower cover panel back on the vehicle.