I have an '08 Cayman S and having issues with the front (frunk) light. Was working well, then went off. Wouldn't come back on. Fiddled with it, lubricated/cleaned it and it came on. Worked for a couple of days, then went off again. Want to take a look at the microswitch that controls the light...I've removed the front latch mechanism and follow the wiring to the switch. But can't figure out how to remove the switch. It appears to have two small plastic pins/screws?? holding it onto the latch mechanism. What is the method of removal?
I always try the fastest, simplest, cheapest thing first. Try replacing the bulb first. I had a similar problem with this type of bulb. It was, like you related, an intermittent problem. Took the bulb out, filament looked intact, put it back in but it was still intermittent. Turns out the conical metallic end was wiggling slightly, meaning there was on/off contact within the bulb between the bulb end and the filament. If that doesn’t do it, then you can delve further into the micro switch troubleshooting. Worst thing is that if it isn’t the bulb, you’ll now have a spare for the day it does go bad.
Good call on the bulb! They are apparently double filament. One can break and the single filament looks like it’s good. But isn’t. I purchased a replacement, and as I put it into the holder it illuminated, then sparked and went out. Held it up to the light and saw the single attached filament, but noticed the second bulb I’d purchased (two pack) had two filaments. I waited a few minutes till I thought the switch had turned off and put the second bulb in, and everything works as normal. Hopefully it’s for a sustained time!
Great news! Also, as an aside, I've done electrical contracting for 40+ years and have witnessed many strange ‘quirks’ when it comes to circuitry and even though contacts may look clean and workable, there is sometimes a ‘haze‘ of oxidation which prevents a good connection. Like you described, putting a bulb in and nothing happens until you jiggle it and ‘voila‘ it lights up. I always keep a can of electrical contact cleaner handy for exactly these instances. Whenever I replace a bulb, fuse, or connection a quick spray on the exposed metal surfaces ensures a good connection. If you don’t have that handy a small piece of Emory cloth or fine grade sandpaper will produce a new clean surface to effect a better connection.
