The coil light came on as I was driving home last night (Fabia 1.9 SDI 2003). Did an internet seach when I got in and then went and checked brake lights - as predicted by Google none working.

Dropped into the garage this morning and told them the coil light was flashing, no brake lights, think it's the brake light switch that needs replacing.

They did a code read and came back and told me that yes, the problem was the switch, they will get the part and fit this afternoon so I've left the car with them and am waiting for them to call so I can pick it up.

My question is, they've quoted £80-90 for parts and labour, which seems a bit steep as from what I've read it's not a big job and the switch is about £12. Does this sound right?

Edited 13 June, 201214 yr by samfan121

Replacement brake switch for my Octavia was about ten quid two years ago

It's a simple job in the Octavia but I guess you may be falling foul of some minimum billing period plus the obligatory diagnostic fee....

Edited 13 June, 201214 yr by sdenny

I changed mine on my Fabia 1.9 TDi a while ago. It's really simple, as am I, so if I can do it anyone can. I think I found a guide on the forum here. You need to remove the lower part of the drivers side dash to get access to the top of the pedals, unclip the connector, push the pedal down, twist and remove the old switch, put in new switch, connect lead, let pedal come up.

But do be careful as you don't want to damage your new switch, so read the guide first.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/211083-diy-fabia-i-brake-light-switch-replacement/

On my vRS the part cost something like £16 and took 5minutes to fit they're overcharging imo

Thanks for the replies. I just got a phone call from the guy who dealt with it to say it's ready to collect. Then 5 minutes later I got a phone call from the garage manager saying my car was ready to collect but, would I like them to give it a full service and pick it up tomorrow instead?

I hate when garages try and find something else to make money from! This place did my MOT 2 weeks ago (they are very close to my house that'swhy I use them) and asked the same question then. I told them at the time I have it serviced every year (at the garage my family use and I bought the car from but it's further away so if I have MOT or a quick fault I go to this closer one) and the last service was 6 only months ago so no thanks. Told them again today and they still tried to get me to agree. Grrrr.

I think you need to change your garage.

just had one done on our Fabia for £25... local independant garage who specialises in Vdub Audi, Seat and Skoda, offered free diagnostics, identified switch issue, replaced it, job done.

@SAFC Demon. Can you ask your garage if they'd like to relocate to Bristol? That sounds like the kind of outfit I'd like to have near me.

My question is, they've quoted £80-90 for parts and labour, which seems a bit steep as from what I've read it's not a big job and the switch is about £12. Does this sound right?

The part's £8 from TPS, so £12 retail sounds about right. The job itself is a bit of a faff - most of the trim to the right of the radio, and below the steering wheel needs removing for you to be able to get to the area where the switch is fitted. Not knowing what I was doing, it took me in the region of 2-3 hrs (doing it carefully).

Although the part I got wasn't the same as the one in the guide, this is fairly helpful in letting you know what needs doing: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1158315

Last 1 i did at work was £15 quid and took 20 min so bit steep like