A couple of geeral questions - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jamesp · 02-20-2017, 05:06 PM

Question one, My frunk light no longer goes on with the frunk open. Any ideas on how ti diagnose and fix that?

Question 2, anybody know how to hook up the radio antenna cable to the antenna in the windshield? Will I need to take out the dash or the windshield? I have never had radio reception in the car with either the original or replacement radios.

mikefocke · 02-20-2017, 05:47 PM

According to this, it is in the a pillar as the antenna is in the windshield (assuming an original windshield). Connected in there to an booster.

nicecar · 02-20-2017, 06:03 PM

No offence but my 14 year old daughter asked why I was laughing out loud? I read the part about the frunk light and asked her what would she do, she said change the bulb!Hello! That is where I would start. There are no stupid questions but these guys dont do oil or cats,? well on this forum.

Jamesp · 02-20-2017, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicecar

No offence but my 14 year old daughter asked why I was laughing out loud? I read the part about the frunk light and asked her what would she do, she said change the bulb!Hello! That is where I would start. There are no stupid questions but these guys dont do oil or cats,? well on this forum.

I used my multi-meter to confirm continuity through the bulb while it was in the holder. Probably should have mentioned that up front.

B6T · 02-20-2017, 06:35 PM

Methinks you need a wiring diagram good sir.

Jamesp · 02-20-2017, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B6T

Methinks you need a wiring diagram good sir.

I'm really fishing for the location of the switch for the light so I can see if it's at fault.

Deserion · 02-20-2017, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamesp

I'm really fishing for the location of the switch for the light so I can see if it's at fault.

The microswitch is in the latch mechanism.

steved0x · 02-20-2017, 07:25 PM

Maybe the fuse? What else is on that circuit? Actually I have the book so I am looking it up but the closest match seems to be "interior lighting". Any other lights out or just the one?

Gforrest2 · 02-20-2017, 07:56 PM

Yeah, mine didn't work either but what real purpose did it serve? Not really bright enough to light up the frunk if you needed to find something in the dark. I'd just carry a flashlight in the glove box - one of those free Harbor Freight ones would be perfect.

BirdDog · 02-20-2017, 11:51 PM

The switch for the frunk light is in the latch mechanism.

When I got my Boxster (3.5 years ago), the light worked intermittently. I shot the latch mechanism with some white lithium lube (intended for brakes) and the light now comes on every time.

I would try spraying some lubricant down into the latch mechanism and closing and opening the frunk lid a few times. I bet that will get the light working again...

Note: by lubricant I don't mean WD-40. That might work short term, but it's not really a lubricant. You can use WD-40 to loosen things up, but follow up with a real lubricant like 3-in-1 oil. I used spray lithium grease because it won't drip off with high heat.

Jamesp · 02-21-2017, 03:49 AM

Great responses, Thanks all - I'll attack the latch and let you know how it turns out.

texomawaves · 02-21-2017, 06:56 AM

yup, wd-40 around the frunk latch... it'll loosen the micro switch. Open and shut the frunk a few times. Good to go.

Deserion · 02-21-2017, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gforrest2

Yeah, mine didn't work either but what real purpose did it serve? Not really bright enough to light up the frunk if you needed to find something in the dark. I'd just carry a flashlight in the glove box - one of those free Harbor Freight ones would be perfect.

I put in a 42mm LED festoon in mine (front/rear). Definitely can see what I need to now.

JayG · 02-21-2017, 07:59 AM

Don't use WD-40 for a lubricant, it really is not one and will go away fairly quickly. Use a teflon or silicon spray

lkchris · 02-21-2017, 10:22 AM

If your car has been sitting for a day or more and you then open the frunk the light won't light.

If you open the frunk just after running the engine it will light.

That's the design.

KRAM36 · 02-21-2017, 03:46 PM

I believe the front and rear trunk lights are the same. You should be able to trade them out and see if the front works in the rear or vise versa.

jvfante · 02-21-2017, 04:35 PM

Search in this amazingly helpful forum for "antenna amplifier" and you'll find specifics on how to get to it. Under the right (passenger) side A pillar cover is where it is mounted. Check that there is +12vdc on the white wire with the key on. Note: that the white wire is also found in the multi-pin connector that plugs into the back of the radio, so you can check continuity if you remove the radio.

Take the radio out, again search in this forum for the how to. You need the radio removal tools (2) that slide into the sides of the radio and unlock it, letting you slide the radio out. The antenna plugs into the back of the radio and you can test a piece of wire plugged into the radio to see if you get reception.

If it's a simple "bad connection" fix, then you should be able to solve your antenna problem that way without major surgery.

Hope that helps.