tone40

If I use my signals when turning in either direction, the headlight high beams engage when the steering wheel returns to the straight direction. This only occurs when the headlights are on.

Can this be easily corrected? I.e. cleaning of the contacts or some maintenance on the return action of the turn signal lever? Do I have to remove the steering wheel to get access to the combination switch?

'88 Carrera

HarryD

Hi,

This is a common problem with these switches. The problem is that all of the headlamp current goes through the switch which has some "wimpy" contacts (not one of Porsche's better engineering feats). If you have H-4's with higher than standard wattage bulbs, death to this switch comes very early.

Anyway, you have two options: Open up the steering column and bend/clean the contacts; or replace the switch. Either way, adding a headlamp relay will help prevent this from happening again. It is not hard but you will need to remove the steering wheel.

Our counterparts on the Pelican BBS have a really good thread on this subject here: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...itch+quick+fix

Marcus Sucro (fellow Rennlister) offers a very nice relay kit here: http://members.rennlist.com/msucro1/relaykit.htm

UberXY

Replace the switch. It's less work than fixing the old one and the old one will only get worse. It's an hours work. To save some confusion, as you remove each wire from the old switch, plug the wire to the new switch wire into the vacated spot. I see new switches on ebay for < $90.

Steve
84 Targa

Naitove

Very common. I am on my third.

psychoideas

I just fixed my mates Targa. It wasn't burnt out just needed some "bending"

Switches down here are $250!

tone40

side of the cover.

The last time I tried, I removed the screws and the cover did not budge. With the price of replacement parts, I didn't want to force it and be sorry.

psychoideas

If you are talking about the upper and lower steering column covers, you must take the steering wheel off as there are 2 screws for each half of the cover in there.

If I can get my camera to work I'll post a pic.

UberXY

Yes, steering wheel removal is step one.

Steve

psychoideas

Sorry tone40,

I tried my camera again but it is truely Fu......Broken.

If you take the steering wheel off you will see the srews that I mentioned earlier.
The top two also hold the contact for the horn.


Remember when taking steering wheel off to only loosen the nut so that it is still on the shaft by a few threads. That way if the wheel is stuck on the spline and suddenly comes off while you are pulling at it with great force, you won't knock yourself out with it.

Happened to my nephew

911scTarga

I need to have a go at my switch. How do I get to the switch to repair/replace the assembly? Does the steering wheel need to come off? Do I need to disconnect the battery first?

Thanks for the help.

911scTarga

Never mind...... got the horn pad off. But my largest metric (21mm) socket is too small to tackle the steering bolt. Need to buy some larger metric sockets in the am to proceed.

HarryD

You will need a 27 mm socket.

FWIW, I bought a deep 27 mm to make it easier to get into the hole to lossen the nut.

911scTarga

Thanks Harry. I'll get a deep 27mm in the morning. This board is awesome!

Brett San Diego

Hey Tony,

How's that 911 treating you, besides the combination switch? Warming up to the blue interior?

Brett

Marc Shaw

While written for a 964, this DIY may be helpful.

Marc