My b8 estate started showing left hand reverse light failure, it's not the bulb, I presume there is a body control module or similar that the bulbs are connected to, any idea where it is?

Also, don't know if it's connected, the gear recommendation  display has stopped working (it is turned on) and the automatic handbrake release has also stopped! both stopped at the same time as far as I can tell.

Hello John,

Left hand reverse light doesn’t work. Daft question, but can we take it it has a working RH one. Apologies but it’s not that unusual for some cars to only have one reverse lamp. If it is fitted with two and one still works then obviously the reserving light switch which is actioned by selecting revers can be eliminated. 

One works, one doesn’t - worth checking the flexible section of the wiring harness where it passes from the body to the tailgate. Strip back the flexible covering and inspect for breaks due to hardening over years of flexing. 

Handbrake: guess you have checked fuses.

Kind regards,

Gareth.