Low Beams are out!

[seventythree]

How likely is it for both low beam headlights to go out (I mean the bulbs) at once?
Is there something else I should check before removing the headlights?
I already checked the fuses, and the hi-beams work fine.

TIA

[thom4782]

I would think the odds are low. The problem could be the light switch.

[Jager]

Could one of them been out for awhile and you didn't notice?

[BruceH]

Most likely it is the headlight switch. I had the same issue last fall.

[seventythree]

Originally Posted by BruceH

Most likely it is the headlight switch. I had the same issue last fall.

What makes me skeptical is that the hi-beams come on when I flick the stalk, which suggests that the head light switch contact is doing it's thing.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by seventythree

What makes me skeptical is that the hi-beams come on when I flick the stalk, which suggests that the head light switch contact is doing it's thing.

That's what I thought too, but after talking to the mechanic, he said the stalk bypasses the switch which is why the high beams will come on via the stalk but they won't stay on without holding it.

[seventythree]

Originally Posted by BruceH

That's what I thought too, but after talking to the mechanic, he said the stalk bypasses the switch which is why the high beams will come on via the stalk but they won't stay on without holding it.

Makes sense. I'll be ordering a new switch on Monday.

[BruceH]

The part is not too expensive and it's pretty easy to swap out.

[Skrapmot]

My high beams (non xenon) were stuck on for several years on my 911 and no one seemed to care, as the car sits so low.

[ilikeching]

Headlight usually go out together both side, not at the same time, but close. Its because of the light cyclus time, it seem the/ or pre owner have changed the light both side same time, so allway have a pair of extra bulbs when one is out, the next light will come out near time..

[Wret]

Originally Posted by seventythree

How likely is it for both low beam headlights to go out (I mean the bulbs) at once?
Is there something else I should check before removing the headlights?
I already checked the fuses, and the hi-beams work fine.

TIA

Mine did exactly that (or at least they went out so close to each other that I didn't notice). I went through all sorts of troubleshooting and switch replacement before making that "Doh" discovery.

[seventythree]

Update!
Spent $150 on a genuine Porsche headlight switch and still no low beams.
Let me know if anyone needs the new switch at a discount.

What's next???

I took out one of the bulbs and it looked good. I even did a continuity test and the filament is not broken.

Could it be a relay? where the heck are the relays and is there a dedicated relay for the low beams?

[BruceH]

That's a bummer when I was trying to figure mine out, the ignition switch also came up for strange electrical problems.

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Ignition Switch Replacement - 986 / 987

I assume you checked your fuses, right? I'm really surprised the light switch didn't fix it though. Your symptoms are exactly what I had

[thom4782]

My car is an '01S with Litronic headlights. The relay diagram doesn't show any relays for the high or low beams. If these are the same conditions for your car, then you might try this as a next step.

IIRC, so far you've checked the fuses and the bulbs. And you're reasonably sure the light switch works OK. As a next step, I would check to see if you are getting voltage to the headlight plug. To do so, remove the headlight assembly and turn the low beams. Check the voltage in the proper socket in the socket assembly attached to the headlight tray. If you have voltage there, then the problem lies in the headlight itself, probably the ballast.

I've attached the wiring diagram from a 2001 as well as the wire color coding chart for reference. I don't know if its the same coloring on your car, but I would guess the low beam socket is the low beam socket from year to year.

[seventythree]

No relays for the headlights.
Turns out, I mistook the hi-beams for the low-beams when checking the bulbs.
Both lights were burnt out.
Put new bulbs in and all is OK.

Now I have a brand new genuine Porsche headlight switch for sale at a discount.
Let me know if you need it.

[BruceH]

Oops! Oh well, still cheaper than taking it in to have someone tell you they are burned out, right? Glad they are working again, that's the important part. And you do know that as soon as you sell the switch, yours will go out, at least that is what always happens to me!