giese639

I just bought a 2003 C2 Cab Tip and am trying to figure some things out. One issue is that the headlights go on when the ignition is turned on, even when the headlight switch is "off" (center position). And they stay on until ignition is turned off. Didn't see anything in the Owners Manual that would suggest this is a normal, daytime "running lights" situation, though that possibility crossed my mind. Anyone else had this situation occur? Is this "Porsche normal" or could there be a short in the switch and/or electrical circuit? Any advice appreciated.

Sneaky Pete

Are you in the States or Canada?

DBJoe996

Yes, what Pete asked. Canadian cars have DRL as standard, US cars don't. I'm pretty sure there is a relay you can pull, although I don't know which one. Big help that!

giese639

A great question (U.S. or Canada). I'm in Washington State. However, the car was in British Columbia for ~ 7 years before making its way via auction to a VW dealer (apparently to be used as a magnet car on the lot) in western Washington. The car was originally a southern California car - it was sold as new in Newport I think. As a side note, it's interesting that a Cabriolet found its way to Canada and is in immaculate condition 7 years hence. Expect it wasn't driven in the rain/snow much. But back to the original question, the headlights remain on because it was "relayed" to conform to Canadian regulations? Any idea how to "de-fuse" this "always on" state? Thanks!

DBJoe996

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...y-diagram.html

Ahsai

Pull the wide DRL relay that takes up two slots (positions 6 and 7) in the relay panel right above the fuse panel (driver's kick panel).

giese639

Thanks for the diagram. I checked the relay board: sockets 6 & 7 are empty. No relays there. Maybe it's hardwired?

Sneaky Pete

The relay is kind of pricey and maybe they did hardwire it but I doubt it. The next thing I would look at is pulling the headlight switch out. Push it in and turn the left (?). It comes right out. Maybe the switch is kaput. Can you turn the parking and fog lights (front and rear) on?

dblvanos

I just bought a 04 that spent part of its life in BC as well. It has been done the proper way not using he hack. I keep trying to find a write up for the OEM procedure so I can reverse engineer it. All I have found is how to do the bridged fuse. All that said I have yet to stick my head in the footwell to even start looking at the relays, I keep getting sidetracked by driving the car

giese639

What is 'the proper way?' (I also have a BC car). My switch appears to be working properly. There is no relay. Thanks for any info.

Balu

B.C. car imported from New York in 09. Switch off, ignition on, headlights on. There is a fuse jumper from 6 to 9,8 is empty. There are no relays in 6 or 7. I've wondered if this is somehow part of the DRL mod?

Water Hound

Mine is an '04 cab originally from NY and Arizona by prev owner and has been in Canada for 7 years. The fog lamps are my DRLs and I've seen a lot of others done this way locally. The fogs turn off when the headlights are switched on to parking light position or headlights on position. Fogs can be turned back on manually by pulling the switch outwards with parking or headlights on. Works really well and doesn't cook the HID bulbs so quickly.

danielcooper9

If I'm following this correctly, I could by this relay for a US car and have daytime running lights? I have never understood why drl's are mandatory. In my opinion, the additional safety factor is worth replacing bulbs that wear out.

jhbrennan

This has been discussed for years. Unless car was built with DRL (and US cars were not), adding the relay does nothing. Search DRL and read all about it.

liljohnny

I agree, why would you want to remove the DRL function, added safety (fact) reduced bulb life (fact) though it hardly seems to be an issue as my 03 Canadian car with factory DRL are still on original HID bulbs. these cars have fantastic headlights and I for one like showing them off!