hi, i am new to the forum, i have read around and found some good advise already. I have a problem with the Fabia (2001, 1.4 101hp) that I have. The dashboard EPC indicator came on the other day, and occassionally goes off. But the brake lights do not work now. I have read that it is common for the brake lights to fail when this EPC indicator comes on it seems.

This has only happened since I had my rear window screen washers fixed the other day, and it seems that this problem might be related. If you read this:

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Skoda_Fabia_1_9_Tdi__Review_5483500

Here is the part of the text that I am interested in:

"quote ~ The water bottle for the wind screen washers is located on the left hand side next to the bumper and a more than average amount of anti freeze has to be put in to stop it freezing. I found this out the hard way. if it does freeze and you hold the washer on for a few seconds it blows the fuse and the pipe usually comes off involving reconection behind the engine. The next glitch was the engine management light coming on i paniced of course and took it to the dealer who calmy told me the brake light bulbs were probably out. (not in the manual). ~ unquote"

do you think the fact that I had the rear window screen washer fixed is related to this EPC/brake light issue? Any advise what to do next? I got the car second hand about 4 days ago, and it has a 1 month warantee. I hope it is covered for this.

thanks for any help...

Two seperate faults, both very common.

Have you checked the brake light bulbs? Does the high level light work?

ok,the fact that they are 2 seperate faults is reassuring.

the strange thing is that the brake lights occassinonally worked (for a bit) when we just tested, but after a while they did not work at all. My assumption is that the brake light bulbs are ok, since the 'occassionally' worked. The brakes themselves still function (thankfully: ) )

what do you mean by 'Does the high level light work?' Please explain and I will check that also.

I hope the 1 month warentee that i have from the dealer will cover this inconvenience.

Do you know if there is a seperate fuse for the brake lights that I could check, or do they not get a mention in the Fabia fuse box? From looking at the symbols on the fuse card, I cannot see any obvious symbol for the brake lights. You can tell I am no expert with cars.. : )

here is a copy of the fuse card that I have:

...I tested again today. The EPC indicator is off, and the brake lights are working. For how long though, I do not know, and I want to get this checked out. Seems a schizo problem to have the brake lights fail occassionally. Not very reassuring : (

does anyone know if this is easy to fix? the only garage in my town is a VW garage and they also service Seats. I hope that they know what the problem might be, as I understand these car companies (VW, Seat and Skoda) are all kind of related to each other....

The brake light fault could well be due to a faulty brake light switch - a common problem which is easily fixed with a modified part. There is a DIY guide (or link to one) somewhere here. Try Search. Just found one...

http://www.fabia-vrs.com/brakeswitch.htm

Fuse 2 (10A) is for the brake lights - which ties in with the diagram above.

Thanks for finding that link for me denis.

You boys certainly know your Skodas : ) thanks for all the advise so far. I will contact the garage where I bought it from (which is sadly 75miles from me!), and then hopefully visit the local VW/Seat garage in my town (about half a mile from my house) to see if they can fix it up...

They will have the modded purple switch at a SEAT dealer, its only about £6 plus VAT and easy enough to change providing you follow the guide.

I asked about the high level brake light (on in the rear screen) as these very rarely fair but are operated from the same switch. If this lights up but the normal lights dont its the bulbs.

Hi, that link given seems to refer to brake pedal switches - are these the same as or connected to the brake light switches in question? I'm having the same problem, EPC light has come on but the brake lights are working fine (touch wood). The garage said eventually my lights will not work or will be on all the time. They quoted about £80 to replace said switch - sooooo expensive!! Any diy hints?

The brake light switch does more than operate the brake lights.

The above link tells you how to fit it.