Help - Brake lights dont work!

[XXX-1.8T]

Ive noticed that for the past week both my brake lights dont work.

I checked both bulbs they are fine.

Did a check on the fuse box all looks good there as well?

What number fuse controls brake lights?

What else should i look at?

I dont think its my tail lights as both Parker, reverse and indicators work....

Very weird!

[MK2 GTI]

brake light switch on master cylinder?

[ausgolfer]

I'd get a new brake switch on the master cylinder. I guess you can probably check them some how so you don't buy one to find out it's not the problem.

[ausgolfer]

Ha ha beat me to it.

[XXX-1.8T]

where abouts is the switch located?

[GoLfMan]

where abouts is the switch located?
you got a haynes manual?

[XXX-1.8T]

no manual anyone got pics?

[Oneofthegreats]

There's two switches with plugs directly on the master cylinder itself.

[brackie]

Take off the plugs and get a piece of wire. Bridge the spade connectors and it the brake lights come on the switch is U/S. A have a couple if you need one. PM me.

[gtimk5]

I had a diesel a few years ago that I had trouble with. Had a "phantom" voltage to the switch. Connected a test light to the switch and it lit up with the foot on the pedal but wouldn't light up down the rear. Ended up running another power supply wire to the switch and that fixed them. New switches are usually, 3 pin, $13 or 2 pin, $10 roughly. Cheers, and very easy to check!:)

[XXX-1.8T]

I pulled out the 2 wires that go into the switch. And replugged them still nothing. I have a spare Master cylinder lying around so ill check if a switch is on there that i can pull off.

cheers let u know how i go!

[Golf Loon]

Like Brackie said Costa.

There are two switches on the M/C, in case one fails. Usually both fail and then you have no brakelights.

Check with a bit of wire and replace the switch.

[Oneofthegreats]

Another option is to just wire a mechanical switch directly onto the brake pedal.
The Mk1 brakes lights aren't too good at the best of times.

[roccodingo]

Another option is to just wire a mechanical switch directly onto the brake pedal.
The Mk1 brakes lights aren't too good at the best of times.

Golfworx has the idea... :cool:

This is the way mine have been for 20 + years...;) Between VW's reverse light switch and brake light switch they couldnt get it right...

[XXX-1.8T]

all sorted tried the ire trick on the brake switch no lights.

So i called Matt and he said its the Fuses for sure.

Played with the fuses and now its all sorted thanx guys!!!!