How to Replace the Stop Light Switch in a Jetta

Volkswagen is a German auto maker that was made famous by the Beetle introduced after World War II.. The Beetle was replaced in the 1970s with a new breed of Volkswagen. Unlike the original Beetle, these new cars had water-cooled engines and front wheel drive. One of these new cars was the Jetta. The Jetta is still being manufactured as of 2010. If your Jetta’s stop lights begin malfunctioning, you may have a bad stop light switch, which can be replaced in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Brake light switch

Instructions

1. Locate the brake light switch on your Jetta, which is attached near the pivot point of the brake pedal on the brake pedal mounting bracket under the dashboard.

2. Disconnect the wiring plug from the brake like switch by pressing in on the two tabs on the side of the plug while pulling it straight out of the switch. Remove the old switch by rotating it counterclockwise 90 degrees and pulling it straight out of its mounting bracket.

3. Depress the brake pedal fully with one hand. Insert the new brake light switch into the hole in its mounting bracket. Carefully hold the switch in place and do not allow it to shift one way or the other. Release the brake pedal until the plunger in the brake light switch makes an audible “click”.

4. Rotate the brake light switch in a clockwise direction until it snaps into place.

5. Push the wiring harness plug into the brake light switch until it snaps into place.

Tips & Warnings

• The brake light switch in your Jetta serves different functions. If your cruise control is not working, or your car will not shift out of park when the brake pedal is depressed, you may have a faulty brake light switch.

• The brake light switch for your Jetta is very delicate. It is important that switch be held tightly to its mounting bracket until the switch is rotated clockwise into its locked position. The reason for this is the switch is self-adjusting during the initial install, and the switch could break if the correct installation procedure is not followed. If you inadvertently move the switch away from the bracket during the installation, remove the switch from the bracket. Pull the plunger out completely on the switch and start over.

References

• Volkswagen Vortex: Installing a New Brake Light Switch on a Golf or Jetta