Hi all, I am new to skodas and have recently bought a '04 mk1 octavia vRS and it was in need of a service. I have also noticed that the car hesitates from standstill in 1st and 2nd. I took it to the dealership for a service and mentioned the hesitation. The dealership then rang me later on (whilst the car was still there) and said the hesitation is down to the brake light switch sticking on, saying the computer thinks the brakes are on and cuts the power. I have looked around and it doesn't seem to be a common issue. The brake light switch had been previously changed (1C0 945 511 A RDW) in 2008. Would it fail that quickly?

Any help appreciated

Thanks in advance,

Alex

Never heard of that, never know?

Mine does exactly the same too when pulling away. Unplugged my MAF because I'm convinced it's shot, and it threw a code for the brakelight switch. Wonder if it could be the same sort of thing?

True.

Mine did that. Its a dual switch. One part for the lights and other part for ecu.

The ecu part goes mental and cuts the power as it thinks your braking. Mine usually did it after coming back on the throttle after braking.

The switches can last for years or months I've had one of each lol

Not overly familiar with the switch, but might it not be fitted properly? twist-and-click style?

VAG revised the brake, & clutch switches a while back. Very common failure, I've had to replace both of mine in the last couple of months.

Not overly familiar with the switch, but might it not be fitted properly? twist-and-click style?

Yeah both brake & clutch switches are twist & click. Fit once, a lot of people break them fitting them, & VAG/TPS dealer will not replace them. There are a lot of guides telling you to depress the pedal when fitting which is incorrect.

Yeah I've done two on the last year.

Ah okay, I just found it odd that I couldn't find much about it. Searches only brought stuff up about DSG equipped cars. Ordered a new one to stick in and see what happens.

Thanks for the replies chaps,

Alex

What's the best way of fitting one? Ive seen some say not to depress the pedal and others say do.

With the revised switches you just make sure the plunger is extended & slot it into the holder & twist till you hear it click. Not depressing the pedal!

N.B. if it doesn't click it won't work.

Edited 6 April, 201313 yr by pauldazzle

Cool. Thanks for the help,

Alex

yeh I had the same problem on one of audi's I've replaced the switch twice in the tim I've owned it. As stated above they a 'one-shot' fitment so be careful.

the other symptoms you may get also is problems with the cruise control and also the abs system randomly kicking too.

RPM's not dropping in between gear changes is also a common sign of clutch switch failure.