Last night I noticed my taillights wouldn't shut off after I parked my car (the top two). I went out there, unlocked my car, opened and closed all the doors, and turned the lights on and off, and eventually they shut off.

Woke up this morning and they were back on and my battery was dead. I charged the battery and was able to start my car --> taillights turned off but then i opened my trunk, and now it won't shut. Seems like the latch just isn't catching.

My question is are these two related? e.g. is there a problem with the latch, that's why the taillights were on, and now the battery doesn't have enough juice to power the latch mechanism allowing it to close...

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Hi there,

Hope you have found a solution to both of these problems. I faced the same thing. I found the two to be unrelated. I fixed the tail lights. What this sounds like is the brake light switch needs to be replaced. Really easy fix. Costs about $12 dollars for a new one at the dealership. It's located under the dash by the brake pedal. Also, found a good tutorial with pictures on a VW Jetta online, its pretty close to the same operation. IM me if you need further help!

The other I have not been able to find a solution for yet. I'm actually on here now looking for one...

I find that my trunk will not properly latch shut when it is cooler or wet outside. I do not know the reason for this, or where the problem persists. would love some help if you've found some.

Best of luck!

 

I also have the 2006 3.2 Quattro.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yea I agree, I'm pretty sure it's a bad brake light switch and that these two issues are unrelated. I did some research on the trunk latch and it seems that the problem has to do with the lubrication inside the latch itself. Apparently, the lubrication hardens in the cold weather and doesn't allow the latch to operate properly. I haven't done anything about this yet, but some have said they have fixed the problem by taking the latch apart and re-lubricating the inside. I am taking my car to Audi to get this and a couple other things looked at, so I will let you know what they say.

As for the brake light switch, do you have the link for the VW tutorial? Also, did you need to clear any codes when you replaced this?

 

Hi Jason,

This is the tutorial that I used and they are almost identical. A real easy fix. The only thing you miss in this one that I had to fiddle with was getting access. You need to unscrew the two bolts under the driver side dash. Then, with the driver door opened, access the panel that is hidden by the door on the side of the dash, and unscrew the bolt that ties the dash to the frame.

This was hairy as you have to gently give it a good tug to remove the entire bottom half of the dash. Then remove and unplug the light that is fixed to this under dash piece. (they don't make this easy task easy on you).

Once you have access, simply swap out the switches. at this point, follow this tutorial.

VWVortex.com - DIY - Installing a new brake light switch (without breaking it!)

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As for the trunk, I too got word that it might be the lubricant. Funny that this would harden in the cold, when I plan to be in the mountains with this car for the majority of winter! Please do let me know what you hear from the dealership. I was just going to spray some WD40 on it and see how that performs.

Best of luck!