parking brake light and top issues

[tk-4]

hi, i have a 2000 boxster and over the weekend my top was stuck in the open position. after a couple of days surfing various boxster forums, i realized that it's my parking brake that's causing the problem. when i pull on the parking brake the light only goes on sometimes. does anyone know what's causing the light and hence the top to work at certain times and not the rest? is this something i can fix myself? and if i bring it back to the dealership to check it out, will they charge me an arm and a leg for it?

i've read posts bout relays and micro-switches but am completely lost.

thanks for your help.

[Tool Pants]

There is a switch on the brake lever. When this switch gets funky the top will not work. Remove the center console and replace the switch. Porsche improved the design of the switch several years ago. It only cost a few dollars.

[Simitar]

It sounds like your parking brake switch. It's the little switch that turns on the dash light when you engage the parking brake.

Usually if it's just starting to happen, you can quickly engage and release the parking brake about 10-15 times until the light comes on.

I had it happen with mine about 4 months ago and was going to get it replaced, but after doing the "fix" a handful of times, it's back to working every single time I pull the brake. And I probably raise or lower the roof 2-3 times a day.

[gharari]

It sounds like your parking brake switch. It's the little switch that turns on the dash light when you engage the parking brake.

Usually if it's just starting to happen, you can quickly engage and release the parking brake about 10-15 times until the light comes on.

I had it happen with mine about 4 months ago and was going to get it replaced, but after doing the "fix" a handful of times, it's back to working every single time I pull the brake. And I probably raise or lower the roof 2-3 times a day.

part number for the switch? I've been searchin like mad, but all I found was 996.613.112.01. It seems right, but it is a 996 part.

[Loren]

part number for the switch? I've been searchin like mad, but all I found was 996.613.112.01. It seems right, but it is a 996 part.

That is the correct part number for the switch for Boxster, Carrera, GT3, TT and GT2. The Boxster shares many parts with the Carrera - hence you will see many 996 numbers.