Headlight Problem - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

husker boxster · 12-01-2007, 02:21 PM

Got a headlight bulb dimming, so I bought a replacement. Looked at Bentley for directions on how to remove the headlight assembly and they were pretty weak on details. Looked at numerous threads here and found good information.

Here's the problem: the 5mm release bolt doesn't seem to be releasing the assembly. It just seems to turn and do nothing. Don't know if the PO did something goofy when upgrading to the 03 lights. Don't want to get too rough and break something trying to pull them out.

Here's my question: can I get to the headlight bulb by taking out the fender liner? Or is the fender designed to not allow access?

Thanks for you help.

CJ_Boxster · 12-01-2007, 06:02 PM

Here is what you do. You use the tool provided in your porsche tool kit and rotate the 5mm release bolt back towards the car and you will hear a plastic pop sound and the headlight will move up afew centimeters, then rotate the tool forward gently and that will push the headlight out alittle more for you to grab with your hands and pull the headlight the rest of the way out.

husker boxster · 12-01-2007, 06:12 PM

I don't have the tool but I have a 5mm socket that I can tell is fitting properly. I am working on the driver's HL so I turned the socket counter clockwise (towards the car). No plastic pop or jumping assembly no matter how many turns I make.

husker boxster · 12-01-2007, 06:27 PM

I tried the socket again. Maybe it's too fat around the back end to fit into the small area of the HL bolt. Looked at a couple of the tools kit tools I kept out of the kit (they kept falling out) - the HL tool was one of these. Stuck it in, turned it and got the pop. HL is out and being fixed.

Saw in a past post that you didn't need the HL tool. If you don't use it, you better have a really skinny 5mm socket.

Also, it looks like it would be possible to get to the HL from the inner fender, but it might be tough getting the HL back plate off.

CJ_Boxster · 12-01-2007, 06:36 PM

Yeah you can use a socket but if you dont have the right size it wont release it, but glad you finally got it out and working on it now.

Jeph · 12-01-2007, 06:40 PM

Now, are you sure you're not doing the headlight adjustment?

Grizzly · 12-01-2007, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeph

Now, are you sure you're not doing the headlight adjustment?

Oh, that would suck.

husker boxster · 12-01-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeph

Now, are you sure you're not doing the headlight adjustment?

Now I am. However I saw in a previous post where someone said 5mm allen wrench, so that's what I started with. Didn't help that the pic in the Bentley looks like it's pointing to the adjustment slot rather than the release slot. I've tried to reverse the turns to approximately the same number I inadvertantly did. Based on the projection on my garage wall, it looks like the left light is about the same height as the right. I will read up on adjustment techniques and test it out tomorrow.

But this may all be a mute point very shortly. Hopefully I will have more details to share next week.