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Volkswagen Vanagon Brake Light Switch Replacement at your home or office.

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Brake Light Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Light Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Volkswagen Vanagon Brake Light Switch Replacement is $155 with $15 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1991 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$208.40Shop/Dealer Price$225.35 - $268.10
1990 Volkswagen VanagonH4-2.1LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$199.39Shop/Dealer Price$214.57 - $256.00
Show example Volkswagen Vanagon Brake Light Switch Replacement prices

What is the brake light switch and how does it work?

The brake light switch is a mechanical switch activated when you press the brake pedal. The switch has a plunger in it that contacts a lever in the brake pedal assembly. As that plunger is depressed when you push on the brake pedal, the contacts in the brake light switch closed and voltage flows to the brake lights — turning them on. The brake light switch is also in the circuit that controls the cruise control disengagement and the shift interlock safety feature installed on all newer cars. Failure of the brake light switch occurs due to wear on the internal electrical contacts in the switch, poor switch terminal connections, maladjustment of the switch, or damage to the brake pedal assembly.

When to consider replacing the brake light switch?

  • No brake lights. If depressing the brake pedal does not cause any of the brake lights to illuminate, the continuity of the switch will be tested. If only one brake light is out, then the issue is not the switch but rather the bulb, bulb socket or brake light circuit integrity.
  • Unable to shift out of park. The brake light switch is also wired into the shift interlock mechanism. If you are unable to shift out of park, with your foot on the brake, check to see if the brake lights will illuminate as you push the pedal. If they do not illuminate, failure of the brake light switch may be the cause of the no shift.
  • Intermittent operation of the brake lights or late operation. The brake light switch has to be in the proper position, and work consistently if the brake lights are to come on the instant you press the brake pedal. The switch can sometimes require adjustment, or the contacts may degrade, causing inconsistent operation of the switch.

How do mechanics replace the brake light switch?

  • The switch is first tested using a multimeter, including the terminal contacts to the switch, to determine if it is faulty. If the switch is functioning, the entire circuit must be tested to determine the cause of no brake lights.
  • Should the switch be judged defective, the switch is unthreaded from the mounting boss near the brake pedal assembly.
  • The new switch is threaded in and locked with an appropriate locknut once the new switch is properly adjusted.
  • The operation of the switch is tested to ensure instant illumination of the brake lights upon pressing the brake pedal.

Is it safe to drive with a brake light switch problem?

No. Should the brake light switch have failed, it is unsafe to drive the vehicle because drivers behind you will have no indication that you are slowing, intend to slow, or are stopped. Always address a failure of this type promptly to ensure your safety while driving.

When replacing the brake light switch keep in mind:

  • The mechanic will test the brake light switch directly to ensure that the issue is not elsewhere in the brake light circuit.
  • Occasionally, the issue is a maladjusted switch or a loose contact, and the mechanic can resolve the problem without switch replacement.

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Number of Volkswagen Vanagon services completed
187+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volkswagen MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform
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Real customer reviews from Volkswagen owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(17)
Rating Summary
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Alejandro

10 years of experience
82 reviews
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Alejandro
10 years of experience
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by Theo
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-1.9L - Car is not starting - Los Angeles, California
Alejandro took time, checked the entire electrical connections related to Ignition. Within 30 mins, he found the problem which was a loose connection between the Ignition switch and the connector. Told me how the issue can be fixed once I get the parts.

Kenneth

21 years of experience
870 reviews
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Kenneth
21 years of experience
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by Theo
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-1.9L - Smoke from engine or exhaust - Los Angeles, California
I am so impressed with the knowledge that Kenneth has and explained the problems with my 1983 VW Westfalia Camper in such a way that I learnt a lot about this Van's engine. He spent enough time to check, detect the problems and made suggestions how to fix the issues. I will surely call him back in a week for a re-check. He is courteous, professional and a good teacher.

Daniel

13 years of experience
58 reviews
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Daniel
13 years of experience
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by Joseph
Volkswagen Vanagon L4-1.6L Diesel - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Nolensville, Tennessee
Daniel did a great job inspecting a vehicle we purchased. He was very knowledgable and helpful. He was on time and everything about this service worked well.

Chris

21 years of experience
448 reviews
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Chris
21 years of experience
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by David
Volkswagen Vanagon H4-2.1L - Heater Control Valve - Portland, Oregon
Chris communicated with me and even got here early. He was very nice. Did the work faster than I thought. Will definately use again.

Excellent Rating

(17)
Rating Summary
17
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0
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
Number of Volkswagen Vanagon services completed
187+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volkswagen MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

Learn more about us

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