handbrake light wont come on.

[Renaeg0]

Hello everyone,

I have searched 24 pages after doing a search for this problem and I havent found the solution. One member said he had to clean something when his top was stuck because the handbrake wasnt showing on the dash when it was on. But it didnt go into any detail. Can someone help me out with this please??

I have a '99 Boxster not an S. I knew I would eventually have a problem with the brake because my driveway is on an incline and I have to pull the handbrake up very far or the car slowly goes backwards. Even if it is in gear. Almost lost it to the street once. I havent found a good mechanic here in Cape Coral, FL. The nearest stealership is over an hour away and I really would like to try doing this myself but am not very mechanically inclined when it comes to a Porsche. Any help would be much appreciated!

[Renaeg0]

Update**

I finally got the e-brake light to come on after quite a few tries. I got the top up but would still like to try to clean it so I dont have this problem anymore. Or would it be more cost effective and easier to buy that kit everyone recommends so that you dont have to have the e-brake on and you can be going up to 30 mph putting the top down?

[ppbon]

On the driver's side of the center console, right behind the seatbelt receptacle there's a small panel.

Pop it out (held in place by pressure clips).

With the handbrake pulled up (engaged) look at the base and you'll see two wires (IIRC white and brown) with a white connector at the end plugged into the handbrake's microswitch.

Pull out the connector and clean the microswitch's connections and spray contact cleaner onto it while manually operating the switch.

Reconnect and replace panel.

Happy Boxstering,

Pedro

[wvicary]

It's an inexpensive part so why not just replace it? It can be changed out without removing the console in a few minutes time.

[Renaeg0]

Thank you for the reply. Sounds easy enough. I will give that a try. : )

[Tool Pants]

The parking brake switch acting up is a common problem with the older cars. Porsche came out with a new switch in 2000. Remove the center console and replace it with the new version.

[Renaeg0]

The parking brake switch acting up is a common problem with the older cars. Porsche came out with a new switch in 2000. Remove the center console and replace it with the new version.

Will do. Thanks for the info! :clapping: