headlamps stuck on main beam

[Mark Baker]

Hi. The indicator stalk control for dip / main beam has failed and the headlights are stuck on main beam. I haven't had time to look at the unit yet, but wanted to check if there were any repairs that can be made, however I have looked at the cost of replacement units. I notice that 996s have had an issue with their indicator stalks and wondered if anyone had had this issue with their 3.2? Any advice or suggestions are very welcome.

 

[supersport]

None I am afraid. But if yours are anything like mine no one will notice

 

[pepe]

Mark, the MOT people will notice

 

[T911UK]

Very common, all the current goes through the switch and then the contacts arc and weld together, fixes are only temporary, a new switch is required

 

[Geoff_Fields]

Clean contacts and fit auxiliary relays in or next to fuse box.

 

[GeoffB]

Yes common problem. Check Pelican Parts for thread about it, I believe they sell a kit to add in to circuit to stop full current going through switch
If not on there check on impactbumpers.com website has been covered in great detail on that forum

 

[Nick Paul]

This is a common problem but one that should be easy to fix at zero cost.

The indicator stalk can be removed from the column and once off there can be seen a metal strip that has the contacts on it - this can become bent as when the headlamp flasher is used it put load on the strip. if this is straightened everything should work normally. Thank heavens for good old fashioned German engineered switch gear that can be fixed!

If you want to run through all the steps to remove and reassemble the switch e-mail me.

 

[Mark Baker]

Thank you to all of you who have posted replies. The car did pass its MOT recently, before this happened, so not up against any time constraints.

I will have to wait for the weekend to have a better look.

Paul, I will take up your offer to email you and at least check out if this is a possible fix and then also review Impact Bumpers and Pelican Parts.

 

[Alan Mendelson]

Hi Mark
As the others have said this is a common failure and by the way Porsche part suppliers sell the stalk they know all about it.
I had the same problem with my 3.2. The contacts did not stick together but the plastic bit that rises and lowers the metal contact melted.
With some crafty work I stuck a bit of plastic back on to replace the bit that had melted so that when the stalk was operated the contacts would make and break.
I fitted two relays on the front panel next to the headlamp washer pump and extended the wiring from the fuze box to the relays to switch the current to the main and dipped beams. Job done.
This was over 8 years ago, 5 to 8000 miles a year, and the repair is working fine. The wiring diagram in the Bentley manual was fine to determine which wires to cut into to operate the relays and I used the standard fuzes in the luggage compartment fuze box to protect the headlamps.
Save money, do it yourself, its not hard.
ALAN

 

[Mark Baker]

Thanks Alan
I will investigate and have a go at the weekend.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Also worth saying that the relay kit does improve the brightness of the headlights. I fitted the JC West kit from Pelican, and it was a doddle.

 

[911 targa]

Just changed mine because lost main beam just before MOT
tried to repair but it was gone to far,makes a big difference to indicators as well
Paul

 

[Mark Baker]

Have opted for new indicator switch plus relay kit from Pelican Parts. Will let you all know how I get on.
All the best.