My high level brake light does not come on when I press the brake pedal. I've popped out the light bar, connected it to a 12v supply and the bulbs come on so I know the bar is fine. I've checked the fuse diagram which only shows a fuse for 'brake lights'. The two body-level brake lights are working fine so doubting it's that fuse.

 

Any ideas what the problem could be?

Two possibilities, there is a group of 3 connectors down behind the left side trim in the boot where the CD palyer is fitted, these connectors suffer badly with corrosion, so it could be that or it's an earthing problem with the hatch/tailgate, does the HRW work ? if it does that eliminates the earthing problem

The HRW does work, but seems to take quite a long time to clear; coincidence?

 

I'll check those connectors out in the morning.

@abo - The slow HRW makes me thing you should start by checking the tailgate Earth point.

 

As for the corrosion in the LH well connectors, that may be a result of a separated connector to the rear washer. Check that when you're in there anyway. And yes they are under the CD stacker.

Been a while, still haven't got around to checking... I've got a new problem with the car so might as well look at both things while I'm on.

 

BTW, I've removed the rear wiper motor, so the washer is never used. I'll still check though

I realise it is over a year later but did you find a fix for you're high level brake light not working because i have the same problem light works by connecting to battery and connecting to low level brake lights so light is good,any help would be great.cheers.2003 1.9 tdi hatch octavia.