Todd Nugent

I have an 88 Coupe and notice that the interior dome lights won't come on with the door opening in that position. They are three-position lights that (I assume) are on, off, and on when door open.

Pavegeno928

Yes. These can get sticky. Either take them out and clean them, or perhaps you need new bulbs or assemblies. Mine work on my 88 but occasionally stick. There is also one for your glovebox IIRC.

bbal

If the lights only won't work with doors opening, it may be the door switches

Todd Nugent

Thanks guys, those are the usual suspects. I'll try the switches first as the lights and bulbs are fine themselves...
Any replacement switches you recommend?

bbal

It's a very simple switch. Sprayed mine with vinegar to get some corrosion off and it brought it back to life. If you do replace the switch be sure to not drop the wire while you change it out.

theiceman

so dumb question ... you tried both doors right ? it should come on when either door is opened..

personally i have a Targa so find the light completely useless anyway .. very weak and way back there..

also there should be two rubber " condoms" covering the switches , if they are missing or damaged, water can get in.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...hoCDqEQAvD_BwE

Todd Nugent

Yeah those are long gone. I'll start working the switch and work backwards to the light. I might also replace the bulbs with some LEDs.

Pavegeno928

The door post switches (one also located in your frunk to light that area but believe its a different part number) wear out. I would replace them both and ensure he rubber covers are in place. Then clean the light switches themselves. You can buy the light switch assemblies new as well and don't think they are expensive.

If you have a factory alarm, the alarm triggers using the door post and frunk switches. My factory alarm works perfectly and I use it all the time so I keep a couple of spare door post switches and rubber covers in my emergency kit in the frunk along with things like window up/down switches, a full set of replacement lights, alternator/air conditioning belt, tire goo, tire pump, fuses, etc.

Good luck.

Todd Nugent

I have the factory alarm but no lonihave the key. Not sure if they are available from porsche anymore...
Great suggestions on the switches!

Pavegeno928

I had the same problem. Porsche won't make more keys. I replaced the lock/key assembly in the door with one I found at a salvage website. Worked like a champ. My alarm is fully functional except it doesn't flash the lights, only sounds the horn and cuts off the fuel. Nice to have. Not sure how effective it would be, but better than nothing. Good luck.

Todd Nugent

Brilliant! It's now on my list!

raspritz

I didn’t notice the answer to iceman’s very good question. Yes to your question about the three position switch of the dome light itself. If they don’t come on in the ‘on’ position your problem is not the door switch. And original Porsche key blanks are available from most good locksmith shops, at least for my ‘67 and ‘69. If you don’t have an example key you’ll have to pul the unit and take it to them.

Todd Nugent

Yes, my domes are three position. Door, off and on. They work fine in the manual on position so I will troubleshoot the door switch next.

76FJ55

When I bought my 84 it didn't come with an alarm key either. you can see my process of creating a working key in the thread I posted (How I went about making an alarm key) over in PP.

Todd Nugent

That's awesome, thanks for the heads up!