88 brake light switch problem.
 

I have been having a problem with the hydraulic brake light switches. i need to press harder to get the lights on than normal street driveing requires...I am noticing some startled faces in the rear mirror more often. I hooked up a LED to show when the light comes on.

I have already replaced the topfront swtich, but not the lower rear. for those who dont know they are only 3 inches apart.

I also have not bled the brake fluid yet.

I am bout a cat hair shy of making my own mechanical swtich.

Seeking advice, but i am guessing people will say, drain fluid and report if there is any change.

You need to replace both switches. No need to bleed brakes if you are careful. I swapped both of mine about 2 years ago with no problems.

Replace the other switch. How long ago was the fluid changed? Although the age wouldn't affect he operation, if it is low, it WILL affect them. I replaced my brake lights with LED bulbs. They come on a bit quicker than standard. How about your brake pads? If they are worn, you will need more pedal to activate the switches. I learned this little tidbit after my first track day. DOH!!!

EDIT: I had my wife hold the brake pedal down while I changed my switches last summer. I didn't have to bleed the brakes that way. Hold it down, replace the switches, still holding the pedal down, then release when the job is done.

With all due respect to Jester, technically you don't have to bleed the brakes but unless you've done it recently then why not?!? It is a very cheap and easy maintenance on a very vital function of your car and it can't do anything but help. Don't forget to bleed the clutch also (a little more work but a good thing).

I still say these switches can be defective from new because they are set to close at too high a pressure. I've found that different manufactures set the closure at different pressures when I had this problem with my old VW bug. Unfortunately there seems to be only one source for Porsche, so if they're crap, that's it. A mechanical switch makes sooo much more sense. Does anybody make an aftermarket conversion kit? It would be nice...