Brake Lights Only Work When the Key is On or the Car Is Running - Normal Behavior?
 

1999 Boxster, 2.5L, Manual

The other day I went to check and see if any of the three brake light bulbs were burnt out as part of routine maintenance. Personally I hate following people with burnt out brake light bulbs so I try to not be one of those people myself.

I had my 9 year daughter get in the car and press the brake pedal. No lights come one. I ask if she is pushing the brake pedal, she says yes, but nope it’s the clutch. I guess I shouldn’t have assumed she knew which pedal was witch…..

She’s now pushing the brake pedal. I walk to the back of the car and I have no brake lights. I’m thinking crap, can I be that jerk driving around with no brake lights?

Thinking something is odd I put the key in the ignition and turn the power on to the car. Now I have brake lights when the pedal is pushed.

Is this normal behavior for a Boxster, Porsche, etc…? I know on prior American and Japanese cars I have owned the brake lights come on when the pedal is pushed regardless of the key state.

Which makes and models have the brakelights worked absent a key in the ignition? Never heard of it.

I believe if the key isn't positioned to at least the accessories position... no juice.

No juice? No lights.

It's typical of German cars in general. Both of my Porsches, my Mercedes, and prior Volkswagens worked identically in that regard.

Same, both late-model Subarus in my driveway will do this.

I can confirm that the brake lights only work with the key inserted and power on. This is normal behavior for a 1997-1999 2.5L Boxster.