Macster

Just a headlight ballast.

Thought the passenger headlight was dark because of a burned out bulb. Stopped in at the dealer to get a new and get it installed (no charge) but when I pulled the car into the service bay and switched on the headlights both came on.

Tech said I could wait and replace it when it failed.

On a hunch switched off the headlights then turned them back on and the passenger side was dark again.

Now the suspected component is not the bulb but the ballast. Techs were not sure how much these go for now. They seldom get any cars in with a bad one.

Can't get the car in until sometime next week. While I'm not driving it much right now, I need it Tuesday as my Dad has a doctor appointment and while he can get into and out of the Boxster, barely, his wheel chair won't fit anywhere in the car.

rmc1148

Hopefully you will get it fixed in time, you need a nice suv as a daily back up.

jpflip

I got a used one from ebay for $70.00 instead of a new one from the dealer for $800.00…It was 4 years ago and still good!

rmc1148

I was going to suggest that but were talking Macster so he will probably want new.

jpflip

Yes I think i've lost my time writing this suggestion

jpflip

On post#4 of this thread you will see a picture of my failed litronic control unit. There is a hole in the burnt circuit board !

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...ht-996-tt.html

Macster

One of the techs suggested I buy one from eBay. I'm seriously thinking about it.

But a used one? Just my luck it won't work and I've got a $70 paperweight to go with the bad one from the car after the new one gets installed.

sanyata

Buy it through PayPal and use your credit card......

rmc1148

I would chance the used one if they are 800 new.

jpflip

Macster, I was looking at the parts catalog of Autoatlanta and they are selling used one. Being a Porsche dealer they probably test them before selling. But they ask $287.50. Here's the link:

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=905-00

rmc1148

I'm surprised they have used parts listed not meaning that's bad. They may also offer some sort of guarantee. Good catch jpflip.

leftlane

This is an indication that you have already fully funded your dealer's retirement plan and college tuition accounts, so they are giving you a temporary break.

Macster

How would Autoalanta end up with a used but supposedly functional headlight ballast for a 996 Turbo?

rmc1148

Good question I would give them a call, if they guarantee it may be worth the premium over e-bay.

Macster

Based on my research I'm pretty sure I do not want to do business with the business to which you are referring.

I've tried to find a local source for a used ballast but so far there are none to be had, well, no used ones to be had.

At least one business that deals in used parts while it didn't have any used ones did price a new one. About the same price ($800) as I suspect the dealer will nominally charge, though my parts source does give me a discount, sometimes a substantial one.

I looked for alternatives, that is thinking the ballast was not unique to Porsche but probably used by various other auto makers but had no luck in finding the *same* part from another automaker.

Today I'm going to try a large import car parts store and see if this ballast might be available over the counter and for less money.