Battery drain - Tail lights on

[avifreedman]

Strange thing. The battery had died on my R32 after I was away for a few weeks, so dead that it wouldn't take a charge.

I just replaced it, and noticed tonight that the rear tail lights are on. Until I figure it out, I just popped the + terminal cable.

The doors don't seem ajar, as the internal lights do the right thing. The brake/tail lights just stay on as long as the battery is connected, with the car locked, unlocked, etc.

I will poke around again tomorrow and can always take it to the dealer, just wondering if there's something obvious I am missing. The front headlights are not a problem - on for running lights, or if you turn the full headlights or brights on. Off otherwise.

Thanks,

Avi

[larryccf1]

think this is a problem that was just discussed below
and been mentioned a few times

check the brake switch at the pedal - seems it breaks and lets brake lite come on, even when key is off

[R32nbluE]

Quote, originally posted by daemon42 »

Re: Too many problems with R32??? (DSMR32) » « » 7:29 PM 9-15-2004 1, 2, and 3 are all the same thing. It's the brake light switch problem. The brake light is coming on by itself. If it stays on for more than 3 seconds, while you're driving it cuts the throttle. Eventually it throws a code and turns on the EPC light because it realizes that you can't be using the gas and brakes at the same time continuously for no good reason. The dealer has a TSB for this that applies to *ALL* MkIV VWs in a particular time period. They may tell you that it doesn't apply to the R32. They'd be wrong. Push the issue, be very specific. "There is a technical service bulletin for a faulty brake light switch. Please replace it, before wasting any more of my time." As for #4. It's happened usually only once to a bunch of people here. It's nothing to worry about. I've got 10k miles on the clock and I've only seen the loose gascap light once, and it goes away by itself. Don't give up yet. These are minor fixes. ian

This is how IAN explained it to us.

[avifreedman]

Wow, thanks. I don't read all of the threads. Damn. That could be it.

I guess I will have to find a dealer and abuse them. Hopefully they don't claim that HPA caused it somehow

For now I will just leave the battery disconnected between drives, but if people can't see me throwing the brakes on, that's a problem.

Thanks,

Avi

[R32GTIGUY]

i just got a letter from VW for my 01 vr6 jetta about the tailights coming on without warning or not working when u need them to, might be a issue.. id check with VW

[Daemon42]

Sure sounds like the brake pedal switch problem to me.

Has it thrown any codes, or turned the EPC light on?

ian

[ljhooley]

The R32 has the updated version (1J0 945 511 D) brake light switch that is involved in recalls on other A4 platform vehicles right now.
It's plastic and has a pretty flimsy push rod, and if it gets shoved in too far the switch might be kaput. Try pulling the push rod out on the switch. I was disappointed when I saw the R has the same POS switch.
So far so good with mine 10,200 so far on the clock with no problems.

larry

[avifreedman]

The EPC light did come on once, though it reset after I replaced the battery.

I also did notice slowing (of acceleration) and wasn't sure what it was.
Now I don't have it, though the brake switch (if that's the problem) is still stuck.

Anyway, need to get it looked at.

Avi

[avifreedman]

The EPC light did come on once, though it reset after I replaced the battery.

I also did notice slowing (of acceleration) and wasn't sure what it was.
Now I don't have it, though the brake switch (if that's the problem) is still stuck.

Anyway, need to get it looked at.

Avi

[Kevbelz]

oye vay. I'd say this is no mystery.
You need a new brake light switch. (and we all might someday, as this is occurring more and more.)

We must keep our eyes on our brake lights, or we must be prepared for dead batteries.

[mkeidel]

My R has 13,000 miles on it and I noticed the rear brake lights on randomly. Even HOT they'd been on so long on a cold night. Well, yesterday a.m. I had to race to the hospital for a delivery and car would not turn over.. just the solenoid click. Put a charge on it and it started but then died again overnight. Battery wouldn't take a charge so had it towed to the VW dealer (under warranty).

I showed VW (Freeway VW - San Bernardino, CA) a copy of this thread and also the notice for faulty brake light switch and they checked the computer for error codes (none) and just replaced the battery.

Now what? Can I MAKE them replace the switch? Are they telling me that they believe the computer and NOT the OWNER? Do I need to frigging video-tape the stinking car turned off, with no occupants and brake lights on? Is it possible for a faulty battery to confuse the computer enough to activate the brake lights or is it more plausable for the brake lights to drain a 1 year old battery?

[R32GTIGUY]

ive luckily caught it every time. ive had it happen 3 times, just pulled the fuse out and put it back and it seems to work the 3 times i did it, hasnt been back lately