What's up guys (and gals)? I just purchased an 03 Audi A6 Quattro, and I'm having some troubles with the brake lights.

They simply do not work. This just started about a week ago, and, conveniently, I need to get it inspected, so this problem is holding up that process.

The weird thing about it is that when I commute to work and back, they work sometimes by the time I get home. I'm really not sure what is causing this, but if anybody can help me out, it'd be greatly appreciated (I'm a total noob at any sort of mechanical work, so spell stuff out for me haha).

For the record, they DO NOT work much more often than they do work, so it's a problem I need fixed immediately.

 

As an update, my cruise control seems to be linked to it. Since my brake lights stopped working, so did my cruise control. Last night, I used my cruise control just to see if it would work, and it did. I tapped my brakes just to check if the lights were working and, sure enough, they were.

Any ideas?

 

sorry, double post

 

It might be the brake switch behind the pedal. That's my best guess, but I don't really know if that would effect the cruise control?

 

it is the brake switch. The cruise control wont engage due to the pedal switch not functioning properly. It thinks u wont be able to disengage cruise therefore wont let it be turned on.

 

Thanks man. Where should I get a new brake switch? Also, is it common for them to work off and on? It almost always works after about 20 minutes of driving or so, which is weird I think. Could it just be a wire from the switch, or do you think the switch just needs replaced?

Sorry about the 100 questions; I'm very new to this haha.

If you can just point me in the right direction of a switch, I'd appreciate it.

 

You're local parts store should have a brake switch available. The only time I've ever done one was on a GMC truck but it shouldn't be much different or difficult to replace.

It sits right behind the brake pedal. From what you described it sounds exactly like thats the issue. It shouldn't cost too much money to replace.