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Old 11-10-2010, 05:28 AM   #1
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headlamp very dim on one side

Usually when a bulb goes bad it goes out completely. When the high beams are on they seem normal. I guess I'll try to swap bulbs tonight and see if the problem follows. If not, maybe I have a grounding issue with the low beam circuit. Any recommendations ? Thanks.

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Chris Dennis, Plano, Texas

'07 Boxster, arctic silver, Tiptronic, 106k miles, no mods
‘13 Boxster S, black on black, PDK, 27k miles, garage queen
‘66 Mooney M20E, hangar queen
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Old 11-10-2010, 06:29 AM   #2
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It looks like your low beam bulb is out.
What you're seeing is the parking light which has much less wattage.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
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Old 11-16-2010, 10:19 AM   #3
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Well... crap! I discovered the problem (not the bulbs). I removed the headlamp assembly, pretty easily... The headlamp wiring harness connector was broken by the previous owner. It appears the connector wiggled itself loose from the mount after his "glue repair job" deteriorated and the connector vibrated loose. He must have forced the assembly in cock-eyed after replacing a bulb and broke the connector. I figured I'd have to dismantle the whole front end to replace the freakin harness. For now I'm thinking I'll try some super glue and see if that holds the connector in place... jeez, I hate rig jobs. Anyone ever have this happen? Recommendations? This sucks. I can't drive it night until I fix it.
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Chris Dennis, Plano, Texas

'07 Boxster, arctic silver, Tiptronic, 106k miles, no mods
‘13 Boxster S, black on black, PDK, 27k miles, garage queen
‘66 Mooney M20E, hangar queen
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Old 11-17-2010, 10:54 AM   #4
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Instead of ordering a whole new wiring harness... is there a place that parts out Boxsters? That might sell me the piece of harness so that I may splice it in? That would be much better than trying to re-glue the connector. A new harness from Porsche is $400 and I would have to tear apart my front end to replace it. So I'm trying to figure the best solution other than a new harness and rebuilding the front end. Thanks. Chris
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Chris Dennis, Plano, Texas

'07 Boxster, arctic silver, Tiptronic, 106k miles, no mods
‘13 Boxster S, black on black, PDK, 27k miles, garage queen
‘66 Mooney M20E, hangar queen
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Old 11-19-2010, 11:00 AM   #5
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I'll keep posting on this thread for the unlucky fellows down the road. I decided to inspect the headlamp unit on the other side. I removed it. The same issue!!! A cracked connector. This must be a fairly common problem (idiots in a hurry to change a light bub). The only way to reconnect the wiring harness connector is to remove the wheel, then remove the plastic wheel well shroud (partially) so you can reach inside to plug in the connector. I'll try to post some pics in a few days. Hopefully Porsche idiot-proofed this design.

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Chris Dennis, Plano, Texas

'07 Boxster, arctic silver, Tiptronic, 106k miles, no mods
‘13 Boxster S, black on black, PDK, 27k miles, garage queen
‘66 Mooney M20E, hangar queen
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