Volkswagen Cabrio Brake Light Switch Replacement Costs

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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 Cabrio Brake Light Switch Replacement is $172 with $32 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1995 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$218.68	Shop/Dealer Price$238.20 - $288.66
1997 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$221.17	Shop/Dealer Price$241.80 - $299.56
2001 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$209.67	Shop/Dealer Price$227.45 - $276.60
2002 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$209.67	Shop/Dealer Price$227.45 - $276.60
2000 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$221.17	Shop/Dealer Price$243.30 - $302.18
1996 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$221.17	Shop/Dealer Price$241.96 - $299.85
1999 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$221.17	Shop/Dealer Price$241.84 - $299.63
1998 Volkswagen CabrioL4-2.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$221.17	Shop/Dealer Price$241.82 - $299.60

Show example Volkswagen Cabrio 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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Richard

22 years of experience

237 reviews

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Richard

22 years of experience

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by Zoe

Volkswagen Cabrio L4-2.0L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Bonita Springs, Florida

Richard was awesome. He explained everything to me in detail and provided a comprehensive report. Even though the car I was looking at is older Richard gave me insight into the car and what I may need to do down the road. He's awesome.

Luke

18 years of experience

322 reviews

Luke

18 years of experience

by christina

Volkswagen Cabrio L4-2.0L - Oil/Fluid Leak - Austin, Texas

My savior! very professional, would give 10 stars if I could

Justin

9 years of experience

372 reviews

Justin

9 years of experience

by Tracey

Volkswagen Cabrio L4-2.0L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Delray Beach, Florida

Justin was very helpful. this was a pre-purchased inspection I live out of state and needed a car looked at in Florida. His inspection and input was a great help to me when deciding whether or not to buy this vehicle

David

11 years of experience

193 reviews

David

11 years of experience

by thomas

Volkswagen Cabrio L4-2.0L - Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement (Front) - Prospect Park, Pennsylvania

David arrived early, was pleasant and friendly worked efficiently and did an overall great job. Exceeded expectations. All around pleasant experience will recommend and ask for David when needing work done l!

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