Brake lights my brake lights stopped working on my 2003 vw passat about a wk ago and i checked all the bulbs and they all work fine. what else do i need to look at to see why my brake lights are not working? is there a fuse i need to look at and if so what number is it in the fuse box? thanks

Think you need a repair shop or wiring diagrams
& vehicle experience

Sometimes quality of the bulbs are suspect in these cases. Check all connections at the assembly for any corrosion or looseness. I believe these also had a problem with the brakelight switch just above the brake pedal. My guess would be the connection at the brake light assembly or the socket where the bulbs go in.

DODGY EARTH

The brake pedal whenever pressed open the circuit to complete the circuit which turns on the brake lights. Its like if the brake pedal is not depressed the circuit is bypassing the light. So when this short-cut is opened current has to go via the tail; bulbs making them glow..........sodeep

Check the fluid level in the resevoir. If it is low then top it up. However, it went low for a reason - maybe it's just because your brake pads starting to wear out or you could possibly have a brake fluid leak.

If your in any doubt have a pro check it out.

The trannys on the vw's are weird, they actually have a brain which tells the tranny what to do, when to switch gears under the driving conditions etc. Is thair a check engine light on? when is the last time you had a tranny service done on it? Also, it sounds even weirder, but is your alternator ok, is it putting out the proper volts to the battery? the alternator not charging the system can lead to alot of weird acting issues.

I had EXACTLY the same problem with a friends car i was doing work on.
Your problem is almost certainly a faulty brake light switch. This is a common fault and brings on the dash lights you describe. The switch is located just above the brake pedal and is easy to fit. If you can get the OBD codes read...My guess is it will show up this switch as faulty.
Good luck
John

If your middle brake light works then the swich is ok.Fit new bulbs to the rear ones.Then see what happens let me know.Good luck

I had this same problem back in November during a very cold spell.I had an appointment to have some "recall" work done on my 03 passat and told them about the STOP brake light. When I picked up my car, the dealer told me that it just needed some brake fluid??, so they filled it ! Well, I don't know about that, but I haven't seen that pesky STOP warning light since.

Good day;
In your trunk area there should be a piece of carpet by your tail light just move that to the side and then you can access your bulb. Any problems please let me know.

Cheers