I had/have the same problem. If you tap on the switch mechanism is usually comes on. I took it all apart and tried to lube the switch itself with limited success. Only the Germans could come up with a switch design that is as complex as this one. The design is virtually guaranteed to hang up eventually.

I did discover a quick way to check the bulb. If you open the rear trunk, it should light up both the front and rear bulbs.

BTW, how much did you pay for the front latch switch mechanism?

I just changed my switch too. Nice to have the light. In my case it has been two years.

I thought that the extra cable was for the emergency trunk release. It is needed to open the trunk if the battery dies. I didn't explore further, but it appeared to lead in that direction.

$47.63 from Suncoast, plus about $7 shipping

I think the switch has been redesigned. I hope the problem doesn't recur.

I thought the front latch opener in the drivers door sill was mechanical--and I'm assuming it leads to the upper cable on the front latch.

It's this second lower cable I'm confused about--emergengy release ? Where's it leading to ?

Glad to help, the lower cable is the emergency release, the other end is usually tucked in the passenger wheel well underneath the inner fender liner.

Here's a more complete explanation:

http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/whenyourbatteryisdead

Here's the link to the renntech DIY article. It's pretty straightforward. :)

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20789&st=0&gopid=168044&#entry 168044

Front Trunk Light Staying On?
 

My girlfriend's '99 Boxster's battery was constantly draining over a 2-3 days period. I discovered the front trunk light was on all the time. I took out the bulb today to see if battery would hold charge. The battery was tested twice by the way, and was judged good. It's an Optima.

I was thinking someone may have slammed the trunk lid and damaged the switch. Possible?

Thanks.

Does your horn beep when you lock the car?

Yes, always has....and the battery would not start the car this AM.

It should not beep, so yes your latch is likely bad.

Update: The front trunk lamp switch does work, and closing the trunk lid does turn off the light. I took off the latch from the lid and shoved it in the latch hole.

The battery is on a charger now, and hopefully it will charge the battery with the trunk light on.

Thanks

Wow, she's owned the car for 3 years and it's always beeped once when locked with the remote. You're saying there's been a problem for 3 years?

Yes the beep usually means the alarm system thinks something is not closed.

Ok, thanks, Paul.

Can you tell me what was the price of the microswitch part for the front trunk latch?