Brake light stay on when headlights are in use
Asked by Juan Dec 30, 2017 at 06:15 PM about the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLS
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Ok so this is my first vw ever since I'm building my
95 Acura legend gs at the moment I bought this
1997 jetta gls 2.0 automatic sadly but it's my new
get around. So when I don't turn the headlight
witch to the on position the brake light go on an off
when I hot the brake pedal like normal. Now When I
turn the headlight switch to the on position the
brake lights stay on as if I was pressing the brakes.
Can anyone give me ideas as to what this can be I
did go first being the pedal to check the little brake
sensor it's not stuck as I read in another forum.
7 Answers
VW. is known for bad brake light switches they go bad internally. replace the switch.
Thanks for the info I'll get that swapped out after holidays to hit the yard.
It's possible you have a short in the harness or sockets...of the tail lamps [on when headlights are on] and to the brake lights ??
Yea the rear brake lights including 3rd brake comes on when I flip headlights on but when the headlight switch is off and I press the brakes they work normal with headlights off
JessieLynn29 answered 6 years ago
I know in my car (2014 Jetta) it was -45C and my (!) (brake sensor) went on and then me air bag light then my check engine light. I took it to VW dealership and they said it was a malfunction due to the cold. Then it happened again and I did research that the brake fluids may need to be flushed due to condensation. It was something I needed to get done so I got it done. At the same time I got the oil change as well. It has been warmer (0C) and it's been great but today its like -40C and it happened again. A new light going on ever time I start the car or driving for long periods. I am sure just the cold but I don't like this at all. Freaks me out. At VW I also had them check all fluids, brake pads, the fluid containers to ensure that it wasn't a serious problem. So I am thinking just the cold and maybe that could be your issue as well (depending where you live).
2010VWCityGolf answered 5 years ago
Juan, did you ever get this problem fixed!? I'm having exactly the same issue. Thought it might be a problem with the physical headlight switch. Swapped it with another one and still had the same problem. Let me know if you had any better luck than me. Thanks.
I have 2009 city Jetta I have been having the same problem with my brake lights all 3 stay on when I turn my head light on. I also changed my brake switch but the same problem continues. It's my first car and don't have a lot of money.
