Carrera brake lights coming on too late!

Mike the mechanic · 06-07-2003, 09:57 PM

A buddy's Carrera's brake pedal has to be depressed quite firmly to activate the brake light switch. During normal braking, the lights don't even come on. The switches and master cylinder are brand new, but no difference. Anyone else have this problem?
thanks

Bob S · Bob S's Garage

Mike,

I'm having the same problem with my 87.. I was going to change the switches tomorrow, but I guess I'll wait and see the responses from the experts before I start.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

don't know if the 80's cars use the same switch as the early cars, but on mine, the adjustment was quite easy. pull the carpet back near the pedals, remove the panel behind the pedals (mine is wood). you will see the culprit where the brake lever contacts a progressive switch. I pulled the thing out and took it apart to see how it worked. All I believe you have to do is adjust an out side nut which controlls when contact is made. You may want to take yours apart, it's quite easy, and figure out how to adjust. It was trial and error to find the perfect setting but now they work as they should. Sorry I don[t have the exact details but it was about 10 years a go.

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

I'm pretty sure the newer 911s (post ~75?) have the switch on the master cylinder, not in the pedal cluster. I know my SC is like that.

scottb · 06-08-2003, 08:40 AM

Did you use OEM or aftermarket switches? Maybe you should try whichever one you didn't use.

DJB · 06-08-2003, 01:51 PM

I replaced both my switches in my 86 about 6 months ago. I was suffering the same problem and only got marginal improvement from the change. I think the pressure is set too high in the factory switches.

don911 · don911's Garage

I've had this problem on my 87. I replaced both switches on the MC and problem went away. I don't know what else it could be besides the switches.

mm86911 · mm86911's Garage

Had same problem last year - replaced both switches and all is good. That seems to be the only solution on the later cars - the switches jrequire more pressure as the wear out.

Ronbo · 06-08-2003, 04:37 PM

Replacing both switches in my car fixed the same problem too.

Adman · 06-08-2003, 05:09 PM

Add me to the list. I replaced both switches on my '87 and all is well.
Matthew

jthwan22 · 06-08-2003, 07:26 PM

both switches are on the MC?

masraum · 06-08-2003, 07:28 PM

Yep, I just did this job myself a couple of weeks ago. Two pressure switches on the master cyl. Kind of a pain to get to, but not too bad. I ended up sitting indian style on the spare/smugglers box to do the job.

Mike the mechanic · 06-08-2003, 08:21 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. The lights came on too late before the switches were changed, and are the same now. The whole master cylinder was changed and it came with the switches. the MC was changed two weeks ago, so it is not from wear.
Maybe Porsche engineers like it when the drivers follwing a Porsche on the track say, " He didn't even press the brakes in that corner!"