Turn on interior light - pop fuse #24
07-13-2009, 11:42 AM
#16
Rennlist Member
Alan is saying what I said... the wire connectors on the 928 light are probably different from the ones on the Passat light. We get 3 bare spade connectors in the 928 (they can be taped to avoid future grounding). The Passat light will most likely have a single multi-connector modular plug (like a small wiring harness plug), where all three wires run into a single multi-wire plug-in connector matched to a Passat's wiring.
You might, but probably will not be able to plug the spade connectors directly into the new light (you never know, though!), so Alan is suggesting to buy a "wiring loom pigtail" - the modular plug (with a few inches of wire hanging off, hence "pigtail") that plugs directly into the Passat light when it's in a Passat. You will then need to cut the spade connectors off the 928's wires and solder them onto the pigtail wires to make the connection. Oh, that's after you sort out which 928 wire goes to which Passat wire (buy some more fuses to do that investigation).
Plus, it may be very difficult to find the pigtail for sale, and it is an additional cost on top of the cost of the light (potentially more expensive than the light, since the pigtail is far less commonly sold). If you do not have soldering equipment (and experience) then there's another cost and step in the process of fitting a Passat light into your Porsche. By the way, don't forget to pull fuse 24 before you do any of this work.
But a stock dome light (with no additional connectors needed) costs $32 from 928intl.com (and probably cheaper elsewhere), and it will pop right in 2 minutes. Spend another $1.69 on a roll of electrical tape, and you have a new dome light that works and won't ground out accidentally.
Your call. ;-)
You might, but probably will not be able to plug the spade connectors directly into the new light (you never know, though!), so Alan is suggesting to buy a "wiring loom pigtail" - the modular plug (with a few inches of wire hanging off, hence "pigtail") that plugs directly into the Passat light when it's in a Passat. You will then need to cut the spade connectors off the 928's wires and solder them onto the pigtail wires to make the connection. Oh, that's after you sort out which 928 wire goes to which Passat wire (buy some more fuses to do that investigation).
Plus, it may be very difficult to find the pigtail for sale, and it is an additional cost on top of the cost of the light (potentially more expensive than the light, since the pigtail is far less commonly sold). If you do not have soldering equipment (and experience) then there's another cost and step in the process of fitting a Passat light into your Porsche. By the way, don't forget to pull fuse 24 before you do any of this work.
But a stock dome light (with no additional connectors needed) costs $32 from 928intl.com (and probably cheaper elsewhere), and it will pop right in 2 minutes. Spend another $1.69 on a roll of electrical tape, and you have a new dome light that works and won't ground out accidentally.
Your call. ;-)
07-13-2009, 01:13 PM
#17
Electron Wrangler
Lifetime Rennlist
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Lifetime Rennlist
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No they are not compatible (not even close) - you WILL need the connector/pigtails - that's why I noted it... I made mine from bigger IDC connectors I have handy but I doubt anyone else will have these to hand or want to adapt them either.
You can buy them direct from Roger (ROG100) at 928srus - and of course if you know the part number (anyone?) you can get them at any VW dealer parts department. The VW fixtures (including black) were about $35 each new so comparable to the stock units plus you can find used on ebay without major concern about degradation.
PS I do REALLY THINK THE STOCK UNITS ARE CRAP - in case there was any doubt about where I stand on this. I would never reinstall the stock units no matter how new they are. The stock connector method is one of the awful features of the stock units. the fact that you'd need to wrap a new one in insulating tape should tell you all you need to know... Besides on most older models the interior trim has pulled away from the light fixture edge - the VW units overlap all round & cover this up nicely...
Alan
You can buy them direct from Roger (ROG100) at 928srus - and of course if you know the part number (anyone?) you can get them at any VW dealer parts department. The VW fixtures (including black) were about $35 each new so comparable to the stock units plus you can find used on ebay without major concern about degradation.
PS I do REALLY THINK THE STOCK UNITS ARE CRAP - in case there was any doubt about where I stand on this. I would never reinstall the stock units no matter how new they are. The stock connector method is one of the awful features of the stock units. the fact that you'd need to wrap a new one in insulating tape should tell you all you need to know... Besides on most older models the interior trim has pulled away from the light fixture edge - the VW units overlap all round & cover this up nicely...
Alan
07-13-2009, 01:18 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
There is no doubt about where you stand on the subject, Alan!
I figured that the Passat connectors are completely different, but I wanted to hold out a shred of hope for Joe. Sorry Joe! Alan wanted me to tell you that there is no Santa Claus!
Joe, I have the impression that electrical work is not your specialty, so my message to you is: if you want to make it easy on yourself, replace with an OEM light. If you want a challenge and a good learning opportunity, get the Passat light to work for you.
I figured that the Passat connectors are completely different, but I wanted to hold out a shred of hope for Joe. Sorry Joe! Alan wanted me to tell you that there is no Santa Claus!
Joe, I have the impression that electrical work is not your specialty, so my message to you is: if you want to make it easy on yourself, replace with an OEM light. If you want a challenge and a good learning opportunity, get the Passat light to work for you.
