My wife's check engine light recently came on, as well, her reverse lights stopped working. A local place read the code for me as a P0411 which can indicate a fuse or relay malfunction (among other things). The reverse lights don't seemed to be fused but according to a local "not to eager to help because I didn't have the code read at VW" dealership, my problem is probably being caused by a faulty brake light switch. Does this seem correct? Is this a difficult item to change, or should I be able to handle it on my own?

What year and mileage do you have?

Brake light switch shouldnt be a part of the reverse lights. But i do think i recall one beetle having a bad brake light switch and the reverse lights would come on and off... Could be a reverse sensor in tranny.. could be the wiring harness for the lights came unplugged or something. p0411 is a random misfire i believe... that isnt related to reverse lights at all.

P0411 is set when there is incorrect flow in the secondary air injection system, regardless it isn't related to the reverse lights. Check fuses #7 & #31 first. Is it manual or automatic?

Hi, My wife has the same problem with her car (1998 Toyota Camry). This just happened tonight! Did you have any resolution to this problem? Seems pretty weird why the check engine light and the reverse lights would stop working at the same time? Thanks Sean