Another brake light question, won't turn on when driving!

[kickson]

Hi guys, I have another brake light question and I'm not sure if it's related to the recall, which was taken care of last month. I noticed my girlfriend's beetle right brake light wasn't working while I was driving behind her the other day. So I bought a new bulb and replaced. I had my girlfriend press on the brakes while in park with the engine off, and they worked fine. Tonight I was driving behind her and I noticed the same issue with the right brake light not working. I had her press on the brakes while we were in a parking lot, and it worked fine. So the question is, is this related to the brake switch? I figured if the brake lights worked in park, then they should work when driving. I checked the wires going to the brake light, and they seemed okay. Is there anything else I can check. Thanks in advance!

BTW, this is for a 2002 GLX!

[Toad]

That's sorta weird. Did you check the connection at the brake light switch? What gear the car is in shouldnt matter at all, but then again, its VW.

[hako]

The actual bulb holder is a poor design and needs the side terminal (earth) bent in when changing the bulb (inside the holder) We need to do this every 12 months or so. Its only the brake light - not the flashers which must be a different design - single contact also whereas stoplight is dual contact.

[kickson]

Thanks guys. First I'll check the brake light switch connection, then I'll look at the side terminal in the bulb holder. Too bad this isn't something I can check easily. I have to have my girlfriend drive her beetle everytime so I can verify if the brake light works.

[ilpotosino]

and they did work? did you check the fuse?

[kickson]

I really need to get on this, checking the brake switch. This weekend was pretty busy. I was still able to verify the beetle parked had the brake lights work with and without pressing on the clutch. Also, a very short drive up my driveway seemed like the brakes work. I won't really know for sure unless I can drive behind her. Keep you posted.

[richburris6]

It's the earth/ground connection at the bulb. This about drove me crazy for a week or so, I finally found the answer here, I love forums....Rich B

[kickson]

Thanks, I'll definitely need to check that earth/ground connection. I noticed that I only have the issue when the headlights are turned on. When the headlights are off, the brakes work fine. To be clear, I need to make sure the ground connection is touching the bulb right?

[hako]

When you remove the bulb holder and then the bulb from the holder you will see 2 terminals down the inside bottom of the holder and on the side of the inside will be a sort of blade thingo that presses against the metal part of the bulb making the earth connection. Its this blade thingo that need to be bent towards the centre so it presses harder on the bulb base. Sorry for the rough as guts explanation but once you pull the unit off you'll understand. Good Luck.

[kickson]

That definitely did the trick!!! I bent the "blade" looking metal parts up, and we have working brake lights! Who would have guessed the bulb wasn't touching the ground terminal??? I wonder how much the stealership would've charged for this fix? Thanks again to members of the forum!