Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Brake Light
The stop lamps are in the tail lamps. The lamps light when the stop lamp switch on the brake pedal is closed. The stop lamp switch is connected to the central electronic module (CEM). The lamps are powered directly via an output on the central electronic module (CEM).
The stop lamps function even when the ignition is not on. When the ignition is not on, the central electronic module (CEM) is still powered. However the module is in a current saving mode. If the stop lamp switch is activated, the central electronic module (CEM) will also be activated and the stop lamps will come on.
To detect faults in the stop lamps, the central electronic module (CEM) reads the power consumption of the lamp circuit. If the power consumption falls below a certain limit, a fault is indicated and a text message is displayed in the driver information module.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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