2002 A6 4.2 Quattro

I recently had a problem where the car would not accelerate properly. At first, it was intermittent but it got worse.The problem turned out to be the brake light switch (someone on some forum had briefly mentioned this possiblity a couple of years ago, and that is why I looked into it. Thank you, sir!). This is the switch that the brake pedal pushes when you depress the brakes.

The system was throwing three codes. Unbelievably, the brake light switch is connected to the transmission somehow. When there is a problem with the switch, the trans goes into a sluggish mode (I think they used to call it limp mode, if I have my terminology correct).

I bought a new switch at the local foreign parts store. Our independent Audi mechanic installed it and the problem and all of the codes were instantly cleared up. I think I paid around $100.00 for the whole thing.

I am posting this because the mechanic said that this was a very common problem but I have not seen much recently on this or any other forum about it.

rj

 

Yeah its a pretty common problem. I had the same issue a few months back, caused my cruise control to not work, my brake lights to stay on when the car was off, and trying to keep a constant speed was near impossible. I bought the switch did it myself, which wasn't too bad. Fixed all my problem immediately. Glad you got everything cleared up and thanks for the info.

 

I am th eone who posted a while back...
I paid $4 for the switch and it is a5 min DIY
PITA to ahve a $5 issue on a $40+k car

 

Would this cause the brake and abs like to stay on.... mine will turn on then after a bit of driving ill fill something in the petal and it will kick off then might kick back on...

 

grrr, i got brake light switch code.

I took it apart and cleaned, but still not work. When brake pedal is depress, switch has to be pushed all the way in ???

 

well, i find out, there is two switches. One called Cruise control switch and second one Brake light switch.

Looks like, if you have a problem with cruise control, you should replace that first one .
am i right ?

 

it's better to have a $5 issue on a $40K car than a $40K issue on a $5 car!

 

I'd get rid of the $5 car but i doubt you'd ahve a 40k issue on it

My 99Jeep has been far more reliable than my 04 Audi

 

This is what my car is doing now. Do you know if you could do it your self? The only Audi place I can find is the dealer and they want to charge $200.00. I looked up the part and it was fairly cheap. Thanks for posting! My car is doing exactly this.

 

$200?? That's too much. The replacement for the brake light switch should be less than a 50 bucks. This isn't a high tech job so doubt if very much probably around 25 - 30 dollars to have someone do it for you.