headlamp problem

[majordom]

911/996 targa 2002

headlamp problem

my main beam headlamps are not working - happened simultaneously to both sides suddenly one day

i can 'flash' to high beam but cannot set to permanent high beam

all other lights are fine

no warning lights on dashboard - shows as high beam when flashed but not when supposedly set to permanant

i have checked removed and refitted the headlamp units and saw no problems with wiring or lamps

i have checked the fuses for the main beam lights


i have removed the headlamp unit recently to change beam for european driving and everything was fine
for a while before this problem occoured - i have now reset to UK side and this had no effect

any ideas ? thanks

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

My guess would be the stalk unit. IIRC the flash and 'main/dip' use different contacts, so the 'main' contacts may have gone, but the 'flash' contacts are still intact.

 

[majordom]

sorry to clarify it is my dipped beam that is not working (i call this the main
beam but this is confusing as the full beam is often also called the main beam by many)

full beam works but only on flash

 

[SteveMorrow]

I suspect it's the actual light switch itself, I had to change mine last year as my dipped beam stopped working. Richard will hopefully confirm (trust his opinion more than mine!). Here's the article that I used to help me change it: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=583771
It's in the Forum Technical article section of the 996 area and I'm not sure if you can see it as a non member though.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

If it is the dipped beam, then I agree with Steve - more likely to be the main light switch.

 

[majordom]

thanks - is this something i can fix myself ? i cant see the link above

 

[SteveMorrow]

Yes it's definitely something that you can do yourself but the technical article was the reason I took the plunge. I wouldn't have had the confidence to do it without, as it involves removing a section of trim and, of course, my least favorite DIY job, electrics! It's got a great description and pictures too.

I think the switch itself was about £80, including postage, when I bought mine last year and I'm sure it would have been over £100 fitting. Not trying to push you into membership but the technical articles section is really useful and I've used it for other DIY jobs on my car. Worth the fee in itself in my opinion. As a member you can usually get a discount from a Porsche garage should you not wish to do certain jobs yourself too.