Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

Porsche 993: How to Turn Off Light in the Trunk

An unchecked trunk light can lead to a dead battery in your Porsche 993. Here's how to make sure it's switched off.

By Jeffrey Bausch - April 6, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

While the trunk light is an often overlooked feature on the Porsche 993, if left unchecked, it can drain your car's battery. If you have been having problems with your car's battery, here's how you can check your trunk light to make sure it switches off when you close the trunk.

Materials Needed

  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer

Step 1 – Locate the trunk light switch

The trunk light switch is the latching mechanism responsible for securing your Porsche 993’s “frunk” lid, or “front trunk lid.”

The trunk's light will turn on whenever it's open. It stays on for a pre-determined amount of time; however, if it does not turn off or if it stays on for too long, chances are the light’s micro-switch is misaligned. To check that the light is functioning properly, locate the micro-switch. You can find it under the trunk latch, and access it by taking off the black-plastic panel with your fingers.

Figure 1. Location of micro-switch.

Step 2 – Determine what needs to be fixed

When you are looking at the micro-switch, check out the actuator arm for proper operation. It has a long, spring-like arm which is actuated by the lower latch. Gently check the tension/security of the arm with a screwdriver and/or hammer; adjust as necessary.

Note that in most of these cases, the metal tab of the micro-switch will need some bending to ensure it turns the light off when the latch/doors get closed. It can get bent or misaligned from repeat closings of the hood. To determine if this is the case, while the hood is open, push down on the latch with your thumb and see if the light goes out. If it doesn’t, then adjust the tab.

Step 3 – Alternative solutions

If you are still at a loss on how to go about saving battery power due to a faulty trunk light, one thing you can do is replace the trunk bulb with 39mm LED “festoon” bulb; you can find them from all different manufacturers, generally for less than $20. LED technology drains much less energy from the Porsche 993’s electrical system than the standard bulb already in place.

Another solution is to install a rocker switch. Do note though, that this opens up a whole other project for you, as it involves cutting into the plastic trunk and wiring the switch into the vehicle’s electrical system. In the end, though, this solution will give you a trunk lamp that you can turn on or off whenever you want. They’re available mostly online, running between $50 and $75.

Figure 2. LED lights provide sufficient trunk visibility.

Related Discussions