Replacing Brake Light Switches on a Carrera

[fxeditor]

Hello all,
I have a dumb question regarding changing out the brake light switches on my '87. Is the master cylinder accessed through the panel under the floor board or through the smuggler's box? I've been combing through pictures but really can't seem to see where I'm supposed to tackle this problem from.


Thanks in advance!

-Michael

[Chuck.H]

On your '87 it should be right under the brake fluid reservoir, and right behind the large brake booster... in the targa top storage place (front trunk).

BTW, I highly recommend you skip replacing these switches, and adapt a hard-wired solution that is mechanical and not based on pressure. You should be able to search here to find some ideas.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 366k miles

[fxeditor]

Fantastic. Thanks Chuck! I will research the mechanical mod too.
Take care,

-Michael

[chrisbruck]

You may have to pull out some of the ventilation ductwork to see better (easy part). Getting them off is a pain, especially if you leave the MC in place. Those suckers can be tight and there is limited wrench room to leverage with.

[Hnichols]

I did this job recently on my '88. Pace chrisbruck, I didn't find it a difficult job at all (maybe I was lucky that the PO didn't over tighten the switches!). If I remember correctly, you'll need an open-end 22mm wrench.

Following some of the advice on this forum, I replaced mine with VW switches (about $40) which I think are the same as the oem Porsche part. The aftermarket ones here on Pelican are considerably cheaper, but given the safety issues involved, it might be worth the extra money getting the original part.

Good luck!

[fxeditor]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to tackle this over the weekend. Wish me luck!

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[m110]

a box end ratchet wrench is helpful

[fxeditor]

Originally Posted by m110

a box end ratchet wrench is helpful

Yep, I've got a full set.

Thanks!

[geoz]

there is also a solution someone suggested here to insert relays. I've done that & have not had issues with the brake light switches ever since.

[Carrera3.2LG50]

A couple years ago I posted a step-by-step on Rennlist when I had to replace my brake light switches.

Replaced my brake light switches. (It’s all about having the right tool.) - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Paul

[fxeditor]

Thanks Paul!

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[Smoove1010]

Before installing the new switches, I put a couple of drops of brake fluid in the hole in each switch, I used a toothpick to pop the air bubble inside. I did this after reading posts indicating that air could get trapped inside the switch preventing it from functioning properly. I replaced both of mine when I first got my car and found the brake lights working intermittently. They're fine now, but I've got the mechanical-switch mod in my future plans.
GK

[fxeditor]

That's a great tip. Thanks!

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[gtc]

Also, buy the German switches from Pelican.
I tried some domestic replacements from NAPA one time, and they wouldn't fit properly.