Warning lights on! HELP

[davidlandy]

hi All, hope you can help me here

I have a 2002 A4 TDi sport and my wife drove the car today some warning lights came on:

1 - glow plug light flashing
2 - both the abs light and the traction control light

any ideas what could be wrong?

thanks

[a8 tech]

Check the brake lights are working

[davidlandy]

just checked them and they are NOT working

is this bad?

[a8 tech]

No ite either the bulbs have failed or the brake light switch,so not so exspensive as the switch is about £30 and half hours labour max.

[davidlandy]

phew!

thats a bundle for that info - is the flashing glow plug light related to it too?

i suppose that its quite unlikley that both lights have failed so its more than likley the brake light switch - is it easy to get to and replace myself?

[a8 tech]

Yes the esp is linked to the abs which recives a brake switch signal(on/off)and also the engine ecu requires brake switch signal and puts the glow plug light on to indicate a fault registerd on earlier models.As for changing the switch it just a case of taking it off and putting it on as most diyers have found to the cost of as second switch due to misfitment.If you wish to fit your self pm me and i will give you some info to the correct procedure.

[kenney]

Have you checked the brake light fuse?

[davidlandy]

just removed the switch (as i have to get another) and played about with it - put it back in and now the brake lights stay on!

so the bulbs are ok! ...and the fuse i suppose

so it must be the switch I guess, in the meantime I have removed the switch and now the lights are off.

[a8 tech]

yes kenny,good observation and i apologise for not mentioning the fuse.

[kenney]

you have to adjust the switch

[a8 tech]

just removed the switch (as i have to get another) and played about with it - put it back in and now the brake lights stay on!

so the bulbs are ok! ...and the fuse i suppose

so it must be the switch I guess, in the meantime I have removed the switch and now the lights are off.Aha it is the switch
Did you get the email instructions

[davidlandy]

Got those (thanks very much!) I used them to show me how to remove the old switch. At first i was looking at the top of the brake pdeal to find the switch and couldnt see it! then tracked the movement over the left and saw it over the other side of the clutch pedal.

Off to the dealer tommorrow to get a switch , is it the same as a passat switch? would be handy as the vw dealer is closer!

how is it possible to screw the switch up by fitting incorrectly?

[a8 tech]

Ok the switch should be the same but if not vw can still supply the correct switch.The switch can look like its installed correctly but the lug must twist or the switch will fail and the brake lights will be on all the time.Tip start the engine when installing so you have brake servo assiatance to help you push the brake pedal down with one hand whilst instaling the switch.Look at the new switch and make sure the plunger isnt fully extended ,now push the brake pedal down with your spare hand and instal the switch and (turn it as per fitting instructions i sent you)when the switch is installed correctly slowly allow the brake pedal to return to the rest position and then press the pedal with your foot a couple of times.Turn the engine off and restart and test the operation of the lights,if they dont work or stay on the switch isnt correctly set,dont panic you can start againbut you must reset the switch to the instalation position.

[davidlandy]

All fixed

A big thanks for your kind advice Mr A8 - this has no doubt saved me a shedload over going via a dealer.

I got the part fromthe local VW dealer (£6.99 +vat)and fitted this afternoon - the traction control light and abs light went out immediately but it took a few mins and a little drive for the glow plug light to extinguish.

happy now

[a8 tech]

Thanks for the reply

[jak]

Hello a8 tech.
Any chance you could send me the instructions too as i fitted mine today & is working ok but my instructions were to have plunger fully extended so not sure it is adjusted properly. Switch was slightly different to original so guess it's been beefed up a bit maybe. Bit bigger & thicker plunger.Black with White end (plug end) instead of being all black.
To be honest, not sure if this one is adjustable as old plunger clicked into different positions , but even had pliers pulling on new plunger-ouch but no different positions. John

[a8 tech]

modified type,as long as the lights work and there is no delay when you press the switch or lights sticking on then jobs done.

[jak]

Thanks a8 tech
Put's the mind at ease, was pretty sure it was different.
John

[nano]

A8 Tech,

Im having the same problems, could you please PM me the fitting instructions. Also, can you tell me where the brake servo is located.

thanks

Nano

[Twink]

Yes the esp is linked to the abs which recives a brake switch signal(on/off)and also the engine ecu requires brake switch signal and puts the glow plug light on to indicate a fault registerd on earlier models.As for changing the switch it just a case of taking it off and putting it on as most diyers have found to the cost of as second switch due to misfitment.If you wish to fit your self pm me and i will give you some info to the correct procedure.


Hi I have the same problem on my 2003 TDi Sport. Please could you E-mail me the instructions that you mention. Many thanks.

[gtinutter]

I have the same problem can you email me the instructions thanks