VW Brake light

1996 VW Jetta. Brake light comes on when starting car, when it happens other electrical items won’t work such as wipers, fans, running lights and AC. But radio and displays work. If I turn the ignition off once or twice, its seem to reset it self and light is off, and things run fine. I have no idea what the problem is. Suggestions?

Check with your VW dealer on any recalls. There is a current recall for problems with the brake light switch that affects alot of other things. When I had mine replaced, the cruise control started working again. It can throw a “check engine” light.