Menu toggle

A dummy's guide to installing a HID upgrade

Hi,

I cannot get access to the tech section even though I am a member?

I have procured and need to replace a broken headlight lens on my 993 however, cannot get the headlight unit out. I have scoured the internet to see what I am doing wrong but, not any clearer. Can someone help me? I know this should be a straightforward job. Is there a step by step dummy dummy guide for this?

thanks
Steve
 
Hi Maurice,

thanks for the reply. I had notified the office with my membership number, maybe it just takes some time to process.
I have the workshop manual but not the drivers manual..is there a difference? I find the workshop manual distructions a bit tricky to comprehend

I unlocked it with the handle you mention and I loosened the two 10mm bolts but it did not pop out. What am I missing in laymans terms. In the workshop manual it suggests using a screwdriver to unlclip a safety clip but I cant make out where this is?

thanks
Steve
 
Steve you don't need to loosen screws. Just unclip the lever from the plastic clip and turn it (upwards from memory) - not for 180 degress, but nearly that far. The lampunit moves forward buy just a few mm - then wiggle the unit a little and it will pull forward and out. If you can get it several inches forward and then it gets stuck its because the wiring clip has broken (very common) and you need to squease your hand in the gap and unclip the wiring plug. Not easy if you have not done it before because you can't see what you are doing. Try the other side, if that one comes out easy you will be able to see what you're aiming at.

If you only emailed club office I recommend phoning - emails see to go into black hole.
 
thanks Mark, I finally got it to pop out a little bit this morning but, am struggling to get it out more than a few inches, obviously for the reason you gave. Will give it a go again tonight.

On the drivers manual - is there a recommended as I don't see one advertised on the interweb. 911 Essential Companion is recommended. Should I buy that?

Thanks
Steve

 
You could take a look at this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Porsche-911-993-Carrera-Ultimate/dp/1906712069

Should cover much of what the Drivers Handbook would.
 
I have pictures of one of the HID installs i did on my first 993 C2 many years ago, posting here in case anyone wants to refer to the pictures:
http://verysideways.com/cars/993C2_hids.htm
 
Gents,

the drivers side one comes out cleanly no trouble, however the passenger side just wont budge past a couple of cm so I cant get my hand into unclip. Any advice welcome. I'm good with a hammer!

Thanks
Steve
 
Ultimately you can take the wheel off, and remove the wheel arch liner (quite easy) and then you will be able to get at it from behind if the wires etc have got caught on something. However I would not do that yet if I was you. If it's only a couple of cms I suspect it's not the wiring clip. Test this by seeing if the headlight still works. If it has stopped working then the wiring clip has come unplugged as intended and the problem is probably the catch mechanism.

So if the light still works, the wiring has not unplugged and I'd now be tempted to get in via the wheel arch.

If it is the catch (this happened to me) clip the headlight back in (push and use the handle inside bonnet). Then try removing again using any grip you can get on the glass as you unlatch the lever to move the unit up and down. I found one time that I got the handle mechanism in the wrong place where it fits the bottom of the lamp unit. After a few frustrated minutes fiddling about (no force) it dislodged and it came free.

Good luck!
 
thanks Mark,

the headlamp stops working when i unlock it so at least that is working as intended. I will have more goes at the handle mechanism tomorrow and hopefully I will be more fortunate[:mad:]
 
Gents,

Success, finally managed to get the lamp unit out.. thanks for your support. Hammer thankfully not needed. In a twist of fate I noticed now the other one is bloody cracked! Do these lenses break really easily or am I just unlucky Alf? Is there an aftermarket protector that anyone can recommend or is this a no go in the porker world?

Steve
 
Hi Steve,

I noticed a crack in my offside headlight a while ago and I've no idea how it happened. I would have thought it would have needed a good whack to break it, but when travelling at speed I suppose it's difficult to hear. What side is cracked? I have an second-hand nearside lense you can have as I had to buy a pair when I replaced mine. One of the plastic tabs has broken off, but it can easily be glued back and should cause any issues as there are a number of these holding it in place.

Darren
 
Hi Darren,

thanks for the offer. It is my drivers side that has a crack in it now albeit small. I guess as a daily driver it will happen.

Happy to meet up for a drive out.

cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top