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Intermittent headlight issue

S

StillWorking

PCGB Member
Member
Car is a 2003 996 C4. I have an intermittent issue with the dipped beam, off side. When I switch on, both sides are fine, then after 20 seconds the O/S bulb fades and goes out. When driving, it then works intermittently. If it is out when I park, when I return it works again (for the time being)!
I have taken out the headlight, cleaned anything I can get to - but no difference. It is as though it is failing when getting warm. Bulb? I thought they either work or not! Any guidance appreciated.
 
Perhaps the filament is starting to fail or possibly dry joint has temp rises. I assume side and full beam are ok?

 
Are you getting a dashboard warning light? It sounds like a bad connection. Remove the headlight once again, check for a bent or distorted pin/socket, spray the connectors with switch cleaner or WD40, refit and retest.

Regards,

[font="comic sans ms,sans-serif"]Clive[/font]

 
Thanks Clive and Tony. In answer:

No other problems, all bulbs working fine. I had wondered about the switch but no other issues.

No dashboard warning lights, no other issues at all. I only realised I had an issue when I was out of the car and noticed a "dim" light. I have had it out (out now!) and cleaned up and when I replace it it works for 15-ish seconds and then goes out. Pins all look ok but there is a hole/ poor seal in the wheel arch liner. As a result the area behind the headlight unit is dusty. Am going to use some sealant and clips to block the holes until I get new liners. I'll try again with the connections.

Bulb time I think, reading about the Xenon, apparently they don't just "fail".

 
Hmmm, then take a look inside the lamp unit itself. Maybe the bulb has become unseated or the mounting is corroded.

Regards,

[font="book antiqua,palatino"][font="comic sans ms,sans-serif"]Clive[/font][/font]

 
Thanks Clive, I will try that this afternoon. I'll also swap component left to right and see if I can isolate the problem. I was hoping for something simple.. Hole blocking first!

Julian

 
It was the bulb. The on and fading off is apparently a symptom. So, something learned.

Whilst in there I also found a couple of broken/ cracked lugs on the headlight unit so new ones and ballast brackets ordered from Design 911.

Thanks again.

 
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