interior lights operation.

[randy_k]

I've asked this question over at Renntech. But would like other opinions. I have a99 Boxster and the interior lights, trunk and hood light operate properly only when the key is in the ignition and in the on position. Not when there opened when the key is not in the ignition. When I get in the car and put the key in the ignition and turn it on, (door closed) the interior light comes on briefly and dims back to off. Someone else thought it may be the ignition switch. I'd just like to get some confirmation of that being the possible problem before I proceed in ordering the switch and doing the replacement.
Thanks for your thoughts, Randy

[randy_k]

Well this thread went over like a lead Pelican. Pun intended. After further research. I believe the control module is set to what is called. Sleep mode or something similar. This is the mode that they leave the factory in to be shipped to prevent the interior lights, trunk and hood light from working while being shipped. Once at the dealer, the car is put into the regular mode so all functions. Taking it to my Porsche shop next week to have it changed over to see if that is the problem.

[Wayne 962]

Hi Randy, sorry just saw this thread now, not sure how I missed it. I indeed had the same problem with my car (996), where the lamps would only turn on after the key was inserted into the ignition. The problem was indeed that the car somehow reverted back to "factory delivery" mode or something like that. What you need to do is have the dealer plug the car into their PST-2 or PIWIS computer and run the "Sports Car Handover" in the computer to re-initialize the car. That is what fixed mine.

-Wayne

[WRGREENER]

absolutely correct. the problem i had was finding a dealer that did not discount my problem or evaluation (that it needed to be re coded out of what i called "transport mode") without telling me it could be a monumental task. i happened into a dealer in san jose (stevens creek area) and the tech did three key storks and reset just as wayne suggested. they also re--coded my radio (cdr23 out of another car) without the old vin number-- a few more strokes, and programed two new keys (i supplied), wrote up a full "what-is-wrong-with-car" safety check with prices, and offered to wash for $85 out the door.

[Wayne 962]

Right, when I did this on my 996 it literally took me almost less time than it took to write this sentence.

-Wayne

[randy_k]

Thanks for the replies guys. Much appreciated. I'll let you know the outcome. But first, another problem has come up with it and I need to address that first.
Randy

[gsmiller]

out of curiosity, do you know if anything else other than this light issue is affected by "sleep mode?" seems like i have the same light symptoms and am trying to prioritize spending money fixing this since its not a DIY...

[Dkennel]

I am reviving this thread. Just started to get a similar problem after having my battery disconnected. The interior lights (dome, glovebox, and rear trunk) do not come on at all, regardless of dome light switch position.
I scanned with a Carsoft Scanner and it gives me code DTC8040 terminal 30G. Don’t really know where to go from here? I tried to erase the errror, no luck, tried to disconnect the battery, no luck...
What’s different is that it does not matter if key is in ignition or not, just these lights don’t work, front trunk and door lights work...

[GadsdenMD]

I have the same problem but viceversa the light stay on after I drive the car or when I lock it but after 12 minutes the light goes off what is going ?

[GreekBoxster]

I have the exact problem the original poster had. Wish this was something we could handle on our own. I don't have a Porsche dealer near me