993 Headlamp problem

[tony1066]

I have a problem with one of my headlights. This evening I noticed that the dipped beam had failed on the offside light. Ok I thought, new bulb. Removed the lamp and its hatch to find the bulb loosely in place but the spring wire bulb retaining clip was missing, the bulb was not blown, but was not connecting to earth. I shook the light unit and something could be heard rattling about in the depths, I assume it's the clip. Looking at the light unit it seems to be made in two main parts, held together by 5 plastic "˜clips'. If I prise these clips open can I separate the two halves and, hopefully find the missing clip? Is there anything that I should be aware of? I also noticed that the cast metal housing onto which the missing clip is meant to locate looks a bit distorted, is this a known issue? I'm reluctant to leave the clip "˜floating' about inside the housing, but if I can't recover it does anyone know from where a replacement could be obtained?

 

[Mark Elder]

You might be lucky with a search on this - I remember a post (more than a year ago) about getting the headlights apart to clean inside. From memory they are not supposed to come apart but in practice they do, although a clip or two might break in the process. I've not had to try yet! Hopefully someone will come along who remembers the post, or has actually done it.

 

[Cater_Racer]

I had the same problem Tony, but managed to shake the item out without dismantling . Keep trying it will fall out.

 

[tomwinton]

Hi Tony - yes, you can unclip the 5 clips and split the headlamp assembly into 2. That should help.

As for the distorted cast metal housing - that happens because of the combined heat and tension in the structure over time.

There is a tech note to fix this - I've got it somewhere, will post when I find it.

 

[John Maddox]

Failing getting it out I made a clip up myself by using some springy wire - use the clip from other light as a pattern. Clip was missing when I bought my 993 7 years ago and the one I made is still in place. Very easy to do.

 

[tomwinton]

Can't figure out how to post the original PDF, so here's a JPG - PM me if you want the original.

HTH

Ta

TOm

 

[tony1066]

Thanks to all for the replies and advice. I took the assembly apart by releasing the clips and recovered the clip. I have ordered one of ToreB's HID kits and will report.................