Brake Light Switch R&R,
This job ranks on the pain-in-the-a$$ scale right up there with changing the microfilter.
Increased resistance with age in the points in the brake light switch is usually the cause of the "Brake Light Circuit" check control fault message. You can either install a new switch, part no. 61 31 8 360 417, $23.21 list at the dealer, $10.54 at Zygmunts, or disassemble & clean the old one. The switch is clipped to a bracket above the brake pedal, above the black plastic kick panel. It's easy to remove the screws & fasteners to get the panel loose, but I wasn't able to remove it. I was anticipating a 5 minute job so didn't have the camera handy when doing it so only have pictures of the switch. To get to the switch, I had to remove the knee panel below the steering column. To remove it, pry out the two wood trim pieces on either side of the steering column. Unclip the dash dimmer switch to get the left one off (assumes left-hand-drive). This exposes the three metal tabs which fasten the top edge of the upholstered panel with sheet metal screws. Remove these screws & the ones on the underside & remove the panel. Now, a metal/foam knee crash bumper is exposed. On some models it may be an airbag, so disconnect the battery (noting radio code) & take proper precautions. Mine is plain without an airbag & fastens with four 6 mm hex-head screws (10 mm socket wrench), 2 on each end. Remove this bumper. Now you can see & reach the brake light switch. It has the standard "pinch" to release electrical connector which pulls off.
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