Headlight burning

[history19]

How many of you have experienced the burning/discoloration on the inner lens of your headlights? I have a 2000 Boxster base and both lights have this condition. Anyone have a solution/answer to this problem?

[JFP in PA]

Check what bulbs are in them, this often happens when people substitute "high output" bulbs which run way hotter than the stock bulbs.

[itsnotanova]

X2 on what JFP said. I would say more boxsters have that problem than not. You have five options that I see.
1) you can live with what you have
2) Buy some new ones or aftermarket ones..$$$$$!!!
3) Buy some used ones that aren't burnt. $$$
4) Take the ones you have apart and replace the burnt lens.
5) Replace the lights with projectors $$$
If you PM particlewave, he might be able to help you with number 4 or 5

[clickman]

I have never used anything but stock output bulbs, and I still had the burning.

I installed Fred's projectors and killed three birds with one stone: got rid of cheap burned plastic, got the superior light output of the xenons, and hugely updated the look of the front end. In my case for under $400.

[clickman]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

X2 on what JFP said. I would say more boxsters have that problem than not. You have five options that I see.
1) you can live with what you have
2) Buy some new ones or aftermarket ones..$$$$$!!!
3) Buy some used ones that aren't burnt. $$$
4) Take the ones you have apart and replace the burnt lens.
5) Replace the lights with projectors $$$
If you PM particlewave, he might be able to help you with number 4 or 5

I don't think option 4 is possible, as I believe Porsche only sells the headlight as a complete unit. And if you could, if you're going to the lengths of breaking apart the headlight to get at the burnt piece (been there, done that), it doesn't really make sense to put back in the poorly designed part.

[itsnotanova]

I agree that projectors are the way to go if you like the look. I do, but could see it not being everyone's cup of tea. Replacing the burnt lens could be a pain in the ars. I just suggested it as an option. I believe particlewave has spare lenses from retrofitting the projectors and might sell some if he has them. I've had busted lights that I was able to sell a good lens from. Don't have any right now though. Besides particlewave and myself, it would be like finding a needle in a hay stack for anyone willing to just sell a good set of lenses.

[Mart]

Had the same thing happen to me too. Only used bulbs specified, hence can only attribute it to a design flaw. Was tempted to replace with Xenons but was told they don't work for the 97 year model.

[clickman]

Why wouldn't they work on a 97?

[history19]

After reading all of the input, it appears it is a design flaw. I replaced my original headlights (I bought them at a significant discount...1/7 the price asked at dealer). Also still using the OEM bulbs (H7). I was told that it's the highbeams that burn the lens, but the low beam side also burns (????). Guess I'll live with it.

[rick3000]

Speaking of avoiding burnt headlights, does anyone have recommendations for replacement H7 bulbs that won't cause yellowing?

[jaykay]

Well it's worse if you have daytime running lights as we do north of the border

[Giller]

Originally Posted by jaykay

Well it's worse if you have daytime running lights as we do north of the border

Yeah, although that just runs the little fog light, and I've never noticed them to yellow?

[BoxsterSteve]

Originally Posted by Giller

Yeah, although that just runs the little fog light, and I've never noticed them to yellow?

You've got a US market car... whoever federalized it did the foglight DRL hack. Canadian market cars illuminate(?) low beam bulbs for DRL's.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

You've got a US market car... whoever federalized it did the foglight DRL hack. Canadian market cars illuminate(?) low beam bulbs for DRL's.

Then all Canadians should do that hack....it looks great! And no yellowing of the lights....

[JayG]

I did the hack and my fog lights are now DRLs. I did get some LED bulbs as well from Amazon/ebay. It is really easy and takes less than 2 minutes

I have been looking into LED headlights. There are now some 2000+ lumen ones and they have a small power supply and small fans on the back of the bulbs

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Giller

Then all Canadians should do that hack....it looks great! And no yellowing of the lights....

Yes, but how do you keep the low beams from coming on?

[Giller]

Originally Posted by clickman

Yes, but how do you keep the low beams from coming on?

Sorry, I didn't do the hack myself....but I'm sure someone here knows how. Anyone?

[rick3000]

Connect fuses A6 and A9 with two wiretaps that are wired together with a heavy gauge wire.

Here is a link to the only site currently live with instructions, it says 996 but it is exactly the same for the 986. I guess a few of the original websites with the instructions have gone down in the last few years. https://sites.google.com/site/996drlhack/

[JayG]

get some fuse taps rather than modifying the fuses. I found them at NAPA autoparts. I think it was like $5 for 4 or something like that. NAPA part #$ 784601

[clickman]

And that that will keep the low beams off in DRL mode on the Canadian cars with the DRL module? Not sure about that. But it doesn't matter to me anyways; I installed Fred's projectors and I'm ok with them being on all the time.