Volkswagen Repair: 2000 Golf Brake/ABS warning light, brake light switch, volkswagen dealer


Question
I have a 2000 VW Golf. A few weeks ago, we started using the parking brake for the first time because we now have to park on a slight incline. A few days ago, the ABS and BRAKE dash warning lights started blinking irregularly (they don't stay on, the BRAKE light is more frequent than the ABS light), and there is sporadic beeping. However, the brakes are working fine, and I had them check a few months back and was told they had plenty of life (more than a year). Is this car safe? What could be wrong? Do I have to go to a dealer, or can any repair shop fix it? Thanks.

Answer
First thing to do is call the local Volkswagen dealer to see if you qualify for, or should have received an invitation to have the brake light switch replaced with the newly released "N4" campaign brake light switch.
Next, it doesn't sound like the entire braking system is in top condition.  There is an ABS control module that may be faulty, and that is probably what is causing the beeping noise.  The only way to find out is to take the car to the local, best Volkswagen dealer, and have them diagnose the electronic portions of the system with the proprietary scan tool, ie. a VAS 5051, or VAS 5052 scan tool to check your system.  Hope this sheds some light on your problem, Jack.
Good luck.