Volkswagen Fox 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 Fox Brake Light Switch Replacement is $170 with $30 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1992 Volkswagen FoxL4-1.8LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$230.18Shop/Dealer Price$252.58 - $311.66
1993 Volkswagen FoxL4-1.8LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$221.17Shop/Dealer Price$241.80 - $299.56
1991 Volkswagen FoxL4-1.8LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$221.17Shop/Dealer Price$241.82 - $299.60
1990 Volkswagen FoxL4-1.8LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$221.17Shop/Dealer Price$241.82 - $299.60
Show example Volkswagen Fox 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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Meet some of our expert Volkswagen mechanics

Real customer reviews from Volkswagen owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(5)

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Rodney

37 years of experience
611 reviews
Rodney
37 years of experience
Volkswagen Fox L4-1.8L - Brake System Inspection - Sacramento, California
Rodney arrived on time for the appointment and was able to diagnose the problem with my car almost immediately. He delved deeper into the area the problem was just to make sure, and his initial diagnosis was correct. He was very friendly and capable, and I look forward to booking his services for any car troubles I have in the future.

Jay

38 years of experience
1035 reviews
Jay
38 years of experience
Volkswagen EuroVan V6-2.8L - Brake Light Switch - Sun City, California
What a great experience! And guy!

Maxwell

19 years of experience
390 reviews
Maxwell
19 years of experience
Volkswagen Super Beetle H4-1.6L - Brake Light Switch - Tomball, Texas
Awesome as always

Ronnaldo

12 years of experience
69 reviews
Ronnaldo
12 years of experience
Volkswagen CC L4-2.0L Turbo - Brake Light Switch - Atlanta, Georgia
We was a very good mechanic. He was on time. And did a great job.

Excellent Rating

(5)

Rating Summary
5
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5
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Number of Volkswagen Brake Light Switch Replacement services completed
55+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Volkswagen MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

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