Glove Box Switch

[js1099]

I am a new "poster" to this forum, but not a new reader. Recently, I purchased a low mileage 88 cab. Everything is like new with this car. I have the feeling that the glove box light switch is bad or disconnected, but have no idea how to get to it from the rear or the wires. The light works perfectly when worked manually, and there are no issues with the driver and passenger door switches. I have searched and searched and searched these forums for an answer, but to no avail. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[robs]

The wires can be accessed from under the front hood (if I remember correctly).
You can try an easy fix that worked for me: push the spring loaded contact and let it snap out several times.

[Wil Ferch]

Do make sure the light switch is in the proper "position". ( always off....always on.....on/off depending on opening /closing of glove box door).

Wil

[Teutonics]

I had the same problem with mine, and it was a function of the switch mechanism in the light housing. I had to bend one of the contacts slightly to make it work properly. IIRC, the light housing just pulls straight out.

[js1099]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
Do make sure the light switch is in the proper "position". ( always off....always on.....on/off depending on opening /closing of glove box door).

Wil

Thanks for the fast reply, the light is definitely in the correct position, I tried accessing the wires from the hood, but can't even see where they are. Should I remove the hoses, etc... It seems there are a few control type boxes mounted on the fender that are in the way too. Any ideas?

[T-Bone911]

Mine started to work after a WD-40 bath and snapping the spring a few times. Assuming the switch is in the proper position.

[js1099]

Originally posted by T-Bone911
Mine started to work after a WD-40 bath and snapping the spring a few times. Assuming the switch is in the proper position.

All excellent feedback that I will try. My last resort before buying a new switch if all these suggestions fail is to track the connection. Is this connected via one of those 2 prong connectors or is it hard wired to the fuse box. Could it simply be that the connection was knocked loose?

Thanks everyone, I feel welcome to the Pelican family. Already dumped a bunch of $$$ here, too...yippie!

[MarkY]

Four years ago I purchased a low milage 88 coupe. Everything works except the glove box light, which acts exactly like yours. Works manually only. I tried every remedy posted above to no avail. I finally said the hell with it, although if you get yours working, please post the fix.

[js1099]

Originally posted by MarkY
Four years ago I purchased a low milage 88 coupe. Everything works except the glove box light, which acts exactly like yours. Works manually only. I tried every remedy posted above to no avail. I finally said the hell with it, although if you get yours working, please post the fix.

It will be my pleasure...if I get it to work.

[cicsprog]

I had this issue also on my 88 Cab there and on upper map light. Take some 600 grit sandpaper and clean up the contacts on that pin and round socket (for lack of better terms) that rotates the light from on/off. Make sure the entire light assay has good contact with the hole it fits in – I think that grounds the circuit and make the light light. I use a product called “R5 Power Booster” to clean dirty contacts – works great.

Jason 88 CAB

[CrossT]

I've had problems with both the switch and the light fixture. I just replaced the light fixture with a new one from our host and that 'no on/off with door' issue was solved. The switch was fixed by the same type of routine noted above - i.e., cleaning and making sure of the connection when the lid was opened and closed.

todd
86 coupe

[RoninLB]

a new glove door sw is cheap and and a brainless, quick install.

[js1099]

Originally posted by RoninLB
a new glove door sw is cheap and and a brainless, quick install.

The million dollar "brainless" question is, how do I get the damn switch out, that's what I most need to know!!! You guys have been awesome I really appreciate all the feeback, and am enjoying Porsche ownership immensely. I did the hood shock replacement in 15 minutes, that was a breeze compared to this.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by js1099

The million dollar "brainless" question is, how do I get the damn switch out, that's what I most need to know!!!

I just returned your PM.

[scottb]

Originally posted by T-Bone911
Mine started to work after a WD-40 bath and snapping the spring a few times.

You might be better off spraying some electrical contact cleaner in there, and then snapping the spring a few times.

[js1099]

Originally posted by js1099
It will be my pleasure...if I get it to work.

With the help of those who said "brutalize" the spring in the switch, I say thank you. I flicked it several times, the light came on, then realized it needed some WD-40 to allow full travel of the plastic piece that makes contact with the door. Voila, it is fixed. Thanks everyone.

[HarryD]

Originally posted by js1099
With the help of those who said "brutalize" the spring in the switch, I say thank you. I flicked it several times, the light came on, then realized it needed some WD-40 to allow full travel of the plastic piece that makes contact with the door. Voila, it is fixed. Thanks everyone.

WD-40 will shortly dry out and leave a gummy residue. Clean the switch with some contact cleaner and then use a decent lubricant like Tri Flow.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by HarryD

WD-40 will shortly dry out and leave a gummy residue.

ditto