99 Boxster + No stop lights => Cant switch gears

[fruscella]

Hi, I own a 99 Boxster with 130,000 miles.
The stop lights didn't come up, so I switched the bulbs to a different light station and the bulbs are ok.
When I turn on the car (no need to press brake pedal) everything looks good.
When I try to switch to Drive the stick doesnt move (I need to press the brake in order to switch to Drive).
Is it possible the brake switch or more complex?.

Thank you in advance,
Alfredo

[particlewave]

Replace your brake switch and both of your issues will be solved.

[fruscella]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Replace your brake switch and both of your issues will be solved.

Thank you, just ordered the part. Any tip to remove the old switch? Im tall and long arms, and impossible to get there and try to twist it with my fingers. Any tool to recommend?

[Gelbster]

Try reading the Pelican How-to's .They are well written and lots of photos.

[fruscella]

Replaced the switch, still the same. Possible bad switch too?.
I connected the switch with the pin out all the way, pressed the brake pedal, unable to switch to reverse or any gear.
Also checked the lights and still off.

[mikefocke]

Lots of automatics don't allow a change to drive unless the brake is pressed to show a driver is present. Safety reasons. Leave a car running and someone inadvertently bumps the gearshift and you have potentially big problems. I recall from my TIP cars that there would be an issue if the combination of steering wheel, brake and shift lever weren't aligned with the stars. Sometimes took some wiggling for the key to even go to the start position.

Are the rear light pods stock? Standard bulbs? And chance some rodent was around the car? I recall selling the pods to people who had faults in the circuit board on the taillights.

[fruscella]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Lots of automatics don't allow a change to drive unless the brake is pressed to show a driver is present. Safety reasons. Leave a car running and someone inadvertently bumps the gearshift and you have potentially big problems. I recall from my TIP cars that there would be an issue if the combination of steering wheel, brake and shift lever weren't aligned with the stars. Sometimes took some wiggling for the key to even go to the start position.

Are the rear light pods stock? Standard bulbs? And chance some rodent was around the car? I recall selling the pods to people who had faults in the circuit board on the taillights.

Yes tailights are the originals. Turn signals works, hazard too. I swapped turn signals bulbs with stops and the bulbs are okay.
Neither the trunk stop light comes on

[fruscella]

That and the brake fuse did the job.

Thank you everybody.