Instruments & License Plate Lights Mystery

[jacktar1]

In my 02 Boxster S the instrument and license plate lighting is not working. They are both on fuse A5. I have checked that fuse and it looks OK, but those lights are not working. Anyone had a similar problem?? Any suggestions??

[DonQ]

Fuses can look ok but still not be right.

You can check continuity/resistance with a multi meter. You can clean the terminal in the fuse box with a small piece of fine sandpaper folded over.

My convertible top quit working a while back,
And I fixed it by pulling the fuse, cleaning the prongs and terminals and reinserting the fuse.

[jacktar1]

Thanks DonQ. I will try your solution and report..

Another point to mention that might be relevant is the jumper wire that is plugged in to the fuse panel right beside fuse A5. Perhaps a previous owner wired in the jumper to provide power to an accessory, such as a radar detector. The fuse itself plugs in and out easily as it should and does not appear to be interfered with by the jumper.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of problem? Any and all replies gratefully appreciated.

[CenCal Mike]

My 03 had the instrument cluster lights out as well. Took the dash apart to "change lights" only to find out there weren't any to change out. The lights are built into the boards. Replaced the master light switch, after reading here and watching a couple of videos. For less than a $100, the new light switch fixed the issue. It also started giving the signal the lights were still on when the car was turned off. I hadn't noticed it had quit doing that.

Consider changing the light switch and it may solve the issue for you. Takes about 30 minutes.

[KevinH1990]

Cen Cal Mike described a common issue with the Boxster. If you don't want to replace the switch, you can clean it with electronic contact cleaner.