Ok guys, I have an issue with my 2000 1.8T estate. The brake lights come on with my headlights. If I do not have any lights on, all three brake lights work perfectly, but the side lights come on when I touch the brakes.

When I switch the lights on, all three brake lights light up permanantly.

Any ideas where to start diagnosis?

Check the grounding connection to the nearside rear light cluster.

Agree with the above or a faulty brake light switch.

Check the rear stop/tail bulbs too as I've seen a filament blow before and hang down and touch the other thus joining sidelights to brake lights

Bad earth would be my bet

Have you replaced a bulb recently?

Could be the wrong type?

I have seen that happen before.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I am going to have a look tomorrow, so will update with my findings

Could be water behind the cd changer if the washer pipe has fallen off.

Turns out the bulb holder on one side was the problem. Got hold of another from the scrap yard and all appears fine

Thanks for all the suggestions

Turns out the bulb holder on one side was the problem. Got hold of another from the scrap yard and all appears fine

Thanks for all the suggestions

Out of interest, was it the near side rear?