Curious RS4 problems

[Ferg]

A friend of mine experienced some odd problems with his RS4 last night.
Starting with an almost complete power loss in 1st when pulling away, but OK in other gears. This was followed later by the rear brake lights stuck on and odd symbols on the computer.
Sounds to me like an electronic glitch, any ideas rather than getting shafted by the Dealer???

[ecain63]

Any water under the footwells? Or wet carpets? If there is some then you have your problem. Not from rain or flooding, but from water from the a/c via the pollen filter.

[Cupramax]

The brake lights stuck on and lack of power will be related. The ECU cuts power if the brake pedal is pressed (or the ECU thinks it is). My guess is a dodgy brake light switch on the pedal box.

[Dr G]

It's a good shout, they're made of chocolate.