You know, I had the same problem on my 81 here.  Even after I did a full
brake job and even evac and replace the brake fluid, that switch didn't come
on until you were really on the brakes.  What I did, because it was
relitively inexpensive, however, neck breaking.. I just replaced the switch.
  I came to the conclusion that either the pressure switch had worn or crud
got lodged in somehow and messed with the switch.  But, I think that's what
he was trying to aim at.  That even though the brakes are working fine, the
brake lights are failing to come on until the brakes are applied firmly.  I
must say, it was a bad design on VW's part.  They should have done just like
everyone else, a pedal switch.  Because, when that switch is bad and you
feather the brakes, nobody behind you knows what your doing because the
lights aren't lighting.  Oh well, that's my 2 cents.

Cheers!

Patrick Harris
Longview, Washington

>Blake,
>
>The brake light switch works on brake fluid pressure in my '84 and there
>are actually two switches, one for each brake fluid circuit.  If only one
>switch switches, the brake warning light comes on.  It is unlikely that
>both switches have become insensitive, and you didn't mention that the
>brake warning light lit.  So, the answer is without some re-design, you
>can't make the brake lights come on before there is brake fluid pressure.
>
>Maybe your worried that the brake pedal is too low ... moves too far before
>the brakes start to work.  Well, that's a whole different question.
>
>
>Mike  Phoenix AZ

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