88 brake light switch problem.

pmajka · 04-29-2006, 04:55 AM

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.

jester911 · jester911's Garage

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.

Oh Haha · 05:12 AM

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.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

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).

movin · 04-29-2006, 08:51 PM

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...