Whats this black box inside 996 headlights?

[oldskool73]

Got a second hand pair of clear headlights from a 996 (Australian, non-litronics). Inside they've got an extra black box that I've not seen in a 986 headlight...



Got 3 wires going in that piggy back of slots on the normal connector. Bit hard to see where they go to, but it seems to be sharing the lowbeam +/- and maybe the fog light +? It also appears to be attached to the arm that adjusts the reflector height at the back.

2 Questions...

1. Any idea what it does? I'm guessing it may drive the arm and adjust the beam height for some reason?

2. Any idea how to remove it so I can get the reflector out. Seems to be pretty well attached to the adjustor arm behind it with no visible way to remove.

Cheers!

[particlewave]

Remote manual beam height adjustment. There was an adjustment knob in the cockpit...I believe in the oval slot next to the headlamp switch.

Not available in the U.S. and quite rare in my experience.

[Boxtaboy]

I had this feature in my FX35. There was a rotary knob that you could use inside the car to lower or raise the xenon height. Not sure what the purpose was for this as I'd always have it set the highest for furthest throw, but it was neat.

[That986]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

I had this feature in my FX35. There was a rotary knob that you could use inside the car to lower or raise the xenon height. Not sure what the purpose was for this as I'd always have it set the highest for furthest throw, but it was neat.

It's there in case you ever load up the trunk and your lights are pointing toward the sky, you can then adjust them down remotely. Fairly standard on a lot of cars tbh.

[barkinfool]

Originally Posted by That986

It's there in case you ever load up the trunk and your lights are pointing toward the sky, you can then adjust them down remotely.

Really useful for the 996....

[oldskool73]

Thanks all, at least I know what it is now, doesn't sound like I can do much with it.

Wish they'd made the rest of the wiring with the same coating, all the yellow/brown/white ones are falling apart and the ones to this box still look brand new.

[That986]

Originally Posted by barkinfool

Really useful for the 996....

Didn't say it was useful, just what it was for.

Then again 2 fatties in the front and heavy luggage/fat kids might make it useful.