996 Headlight Problem - ideas?

[AlexHancock]

My GT3 MKII's headlights have stopped working. I noticed a while ago that the sidelights would work but main beam wouldn't until I turned the lights off and then on again. Now, only the sidelights work - no main or full beam. I've checked the fuses - no luck. It seems unlikely to be both bulbs so does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[porscheuro]

switches are a common fault on these, think they cost around £70 from porsche

[sportsandclassic]

Hi,

Just done a C2 today and switch is £67.72 plus vat 99661353500

[AlexHancock]

Thanks, I'll see if I can find a way to test the switch.

[davek_964]

Yep - my turbo had intermittent headlights when I bought the car (including them suddenly going off when I switched to high beam on a dark A road at high speed.....). Changing the switch completely solved the problem.

[JW911]

Ditto. It's the switch.

It's a relatively easy swap if you can prise the switch surround off without breaking it. After that, undo a couple of screws, unplug the old unit, plug in the new, replace everything and Robert is your mother's brother.

[AlexHancock]

Thanks, Chaps. I'll order a new switch and give it a go.

JW911 said:

Robert is your mother's brother.

How did you know?

[porscheuro]

instinct

[JW911]

I'm psychic. Hopefully it is the switch though.

[JRR1967]

Specialist Cars (Malton) just changed mine. I had a different problem - the lights worked OK outside the car, but the instrument lights didn't turn on right away. Usually came one after 15 mins, but might then turn off again. Also the PCM stayed in daylight mode.

New switch fixed it. Guys in Malton good to deal with as well.

Edited by JRR1967 on Tuesday 8th December 15:32

[MikeO996]

Don't rule out that the bulbs have gone. Had that on mine. Seems to be quite common that if one blows you get a surge to the other that blows that too.

[MikeO996]

MikeO996 said:

Don't rule out that the bulbs have gone. Had that on mine. Seems to be quite common that if one blows you get a surge to the other that blows that too.

But if it started out intermittent, sounds like the switch.

[AlexHancock]

Well, I've ordered a new switch now so hopefully that'll sort it.

[phatgixer]

Are they xenons?

[AlexHancock]

Nope

[AlexHancock]

Just an update.

I replaced the switch and everything's back to normal! A couple of things that might help others - the vent panel is held in place by three T20 torque head screws. The side two need a torque wrench or short handled driver due to the proximity of the door and the one recessed into the switch hole needs a thin shafted driver due to the diameter of the hole it's in. Otherwise it was quite simple.

Thanks to all who helped.

[911perv]

sportsandclassic said:

Hi,

Just done a C2 today and switch is £67.72 plus vat 99661353500

You was robbed, they should be £49.47 + vat

[Sumners1]

I have the same problem with the lights so I will order a switch
just wondering why the prices shown vary so much are they from
different genuine Porsche spares suppliers?
Where's the best place to order from?

[911perv]

This thread is 18 months old, latest price from OPC is £72.77 + vat, available online for £65

[UpTheIron]

Thread resurrection time...

My 996TT has just decided that driving lights and main beam won't work. Sidelights, front fogs are fine, and main beam works if pulling stalk towards you, but not in "on" position.

Sounds like the switch?