HID headlights won't come on - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Granitehead · 05-28-2009, 05:42 AM

The HID headlights on my wife's 2002 Boxster S have quit working. About 6 months ago, they started coming on more and more slowly and have finally quit. Any ideas as to what the problem might be? I'm pretty sure the brights still work.

Thanks,
Rich Lambert

JFP in PA · 05-28-2009, 06:32 AM

If they are "factory", a scan with a PST II/PIWIS will show what is wrong; if they are "post deleivery", the diagnostics will be manual..............

Granitehead · 05-29-2009, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

If they are "factory", a scan with a PST II/PIWIS will show what is wrong; if they are "post deleivery", the diagnostics will be manual..............

They're factory. What's a PST II/PIWIS?

Rich

Boxtaboy · 05-29-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Granitehead

They're factory. What's a PST II/PIWIS?

Rich

It's a Porsche computer that they hook up to your car that can diagnose where the problem is.

Granitehead · 05-29-2009, 07:22 AM

Thanks...is that something an independent shop would have?

Rich

AUDIOGUY · 05-29-2009, 02:49 PM

I am having an issue with mine right now.. When I turn the switch on, most of the time they come on. Sometimes, they wont or will both flicker like they want to fire up but dont. I just last night kept tapping on the switch and this made them flicker more. I think it is a faulty switch. When the lights are on, they work perfectly which makes me think it has nothing to do with the lamps or ballasts...

Also, the switch is most likely the least expensive part to replace.

Good luck!

gschotland · 05-29-2009, 07:41 PM

Had the exact same problems with my '02 S with xenons. After getting stranded w/o headlights overnight in a Dunkin Doughnuts parking lot, I changed the light switch and the problem was solved. This a common problem. The replacement part is cheap (maybe $30?) and the swap is DIY. There are lots of posts on this, just search.

gschotland · 05-29-2009, 07:52 PM

Found this post elsewhere on this site:

"The switch you need is an Audi/VW part, (the Audi logo and part number are stamped on the side of the switch) which, if you get it at the Audi/VW dealer will be significantly less expensive than getting it from the Porsche dealer, or it was when I got mine anyway. Around $35. The Audi/VW part number is 4A0-905-849-B. Very good instructions can be gotten here. http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/i...itchreplacement . or here. Its a little cramped under there but not too bad once you figure out where those darn little screws are and how to hold your left arm jusssssttttt so to get to them. Took me less than an hour start to finish. Be sure to disconnect your battery and be equally sure you have your radio code!"

Granitehead · 06-29-2009, 08:20 AM

Follow up: Bad light switch. Thanks for the help!

Rich Lambert

AUDIOGUY · 06-29-2009, 06:17 PM

Granitehead, did you install the switch yourself?? If so, which one did you buy, the VW as listed or the Porsche unit...

Thanks,
jd

Granitehead · 06-29-2009, 07:50 PM

Joe,

No, I took it to a shop and had them do it. It was $300 total for the switch, labor, and replacing a couple of burned out parking lights that I didn't realize were out. For $300 I've got to think they used the Porsche part.

Lights are back on, Boxster life is good again.

Rich