Lewis

Although I had no known problems, I was playing with my recent purchase of a VAG-COM on my 98.5 1.8T QSTip.
In Transmission, I received the "00526 - Brake Light Switch (F)"
fault, with "27-00 Incorrect signal" in indented format below it.
(Bentley CD search on 00526 yielded a chart of possible causes/fixes
(break in wiring or short to ground/positive between trans. control
module and brake light switch OR brake light switch faulty).
I checked the brake light, and it's functioning normally.
Cleared the fault,but it returns when I turn off the key and return to vag diagnosis. In another section of the CD, it says this code does not cause brake malfunciton light in dash to come on since no brake functions are disabled; it mentions something about EDL (Electronic Differential Control) being involved with this code.
Anyone out there have experience with this fault code and problem? What is not working when this fault code is on? Is this a rush to the dealer item?
(I've also posted this to the egroup VAG-COM list.) BTW, used the Audiworld FAQ and VAG-COM to recode central locking; works as promised.<p>Lewis
<a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=2498">98.5 1.8T QSTip Pearl</a>

Uwe Ross

I think this means that the TCU is not seeing the state of the brake-light switch. Since you say the brake lights are working correctly, my guess would be that there's an issue with the wiring to the TCU, or a problem internal to the TCU. To figure out which, you'll have to refer to the wiring diagrams, determine which pin in the TCU harness should have the brake light signal on it, and test for the presence of a signal that that matches the state of the brake lights at the TCU harness connector. Or, if you car is still under warranty, let the dealer "deal" with it..:-)

-Uwe- http://www.Ross-Tech.com

Lewis

<p>Lewis
<a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=2498">98.5 1.8T QSTip Pearl</a>

Uwe Ross

It seems that DTC 00526 can and should be ignored if the brakes have not been pressed (or possibly the engine has not been started) before the scan.

Please scan your TCU again after having pressed the brakes and with the engine running. If the DTC 00526 goes away under those conditions, all is well!

-Uwe- http://www.Ross-Tech.com

Bert

The system may expect a certain impedence, and that would change is 1 bulb is out.

Bert

Wyatt Tharp

i scanned my car today because i have no reverse and the only code that comes up is the 00526. is it a wire like described or do i need to replace the tcu ?

4Driver4

Step one:
Don't bump old posts. No one from 13 years ago is still here...well, almost no one.

Step two:
Check the TCU to see if it is under water.

Step 3: Check fluid level

Step 4:
Clean plug on transmission harness and visually check wiring.

Step 5:
Replace tranmission