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

[Lowski]

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.

[Starter986]

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.

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by Lowski

Is this normal behavior for a Boxster, Porsche, etc…?

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

Originally Posted by Lowski

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.

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

[thstone]

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.