problems with brake light switch...

[maddiesdoghouse]

We're new to VW - just got our bug last friday. YEAH! It's a 98 - standard. We've been replacing some bulbs that were out, a couple of fuses, etc.

Upon reading some of your posts about brake lights, we learned about the recall on the switch.
I was able to get a replacement part from our VW dealer (getting the bug in to get it done was going to take a couple of weeks and having no brake lights for that long sounds like a ticket waiting to happen - especially when I can do it myself)

Okay, after some effort, I was able to get the old switch out and put the new one in. Now the brake lights stay on all the time. I even left it out of it's "spot" just dangling from the harness and the lights stay on. Even weirder, when I put the old switch in, they stay on as well.

Does this sound like a bad switch problem or a wiring harness, gremlins, fuse issue - possibly my error ?

I noticed that when I picked up the switch (it's the purple one I've seen pictured on here) the plunger was very long and to get it into the spot it "locked down" in a shorter position.

I'm just hoping I didn't screw something up. Usually my hubby does all the fixin', but he's been busy at work and I figured that I needed to learn how Let's just get it fixed before telling hubby, okay?

THANKS!
JEN

[from Margaritaville...]

There are a few threads that deal with the brake switch replacement and the brake lights staying on. Click on the "search" function, click on advanced search, enter "brake switch", click on "titles only" then click search. This thread may help in getting you started...Alan


http://www.newbeetle.org/forums/show...t=brake+switch

[from Margaritaville...]

Here's one with pics...


http://www.newbeetle.org/forums/show...e+light+switch

[hako]

I'd imagine that if the stoplight unit is removed from its fixture the stoplights would remain on - thats the way they are designed to work. When you put the brake pedal on it allows the plunger to release (like when you hang it loose). When you take the foor off the pedal it returns and pushes the plunger in. You are probably not positioning the new switch correctly.

[maddiesdoghouse]

THANKS guys!


Well, I guess it was installer error.
I didn't have it turned all the way to the "locked" position.
That's what I get for trying not to break the switch.
I guess you don't learn if you don't try.

I really appreciate your help!
It's amazing that such an easy fix can pose so many problems.

JEN

[larryziegler]

I ran into the same problem....just pull out the switch and plunger.....re-install and re-adjust and you should fix the problem. As Growler mentioned in his very good thread, pull out the plunge slowly a total of 6 clicks...before installing...worked well for me.