KrisPKreme

Is it possible to replace the lens that the light bulb sits behind? Not the exterior covering but the one that sits vertical, inside the housing. Previous owner had used yellow bulbs (offroad fogs?) and that lens has burn marks. I would like to avoid getting all new fixtures.

Sue Esponte

Can you post a pic? What year/model headlight?

jwar

Believe it or not but I have one for sale.

You mean the fog projector lens, right?

KrisPKreme

Here is a pic of the burned lens. It is the same for both sides. In a perfect world, I would be able to change that inside lens out. But, my luck will tell me that it is not possible. 2000 996 C2.

ivangene

nearly impossible to find the part, can be changed with the use of an oven @ ~250 for 10-15 minutes the front will loosen....


IMO you are better off finding a new headlight and selling the old one to someone who thinks they can fix it or who has amber blinkers and would give $ to get clear ones

you should be able to land a nice set for $4-500 and sell your old ones for $3-400 net loss = not bad

Torontoworker

This is a generic issue with this year/model of headlight. Mine are the same only the burn marks are smaller. The parts are sealed I'm afraid. I do know there was one person experimenting around here where they heated up the housing in an oven in order to separate the pieces. Most people change the headlights to ones without defects. The lamp heat is the issue - it 'cooks' the material in front of it. Changing to higher output lamps just accelerates the discoloration.

KrisPKreme

Exactly as I suspected. I will need new/used ones. In the mean time, what type bulb should I be using? Sorry for the newbie questions. It is my first 996. Just when I mastered the 944 I bring this thing home!

As long as I am at it with the questions, let me toss this one out. Just prior to picking up the car, the battery was changed out for a new one. The airbag light is on now of course. I ran an OBDII scan and NO codes were shown. Now how the hell do I get the light turned off if it wasn't throwing a code? Black tape won't cut it.

wyovino

Oh great. Something else to worry about.

I upgraded my low and high beam bulbs to Silvervision (55w) bulbs. Does anyone know if they run hotter than standard halogens? I've tried Googling it but can't find an answer.

aviography

OP,

Was your car a former Canadian car? I've seen this issue in several Canadian 996 with the halogen headlights where the American 996 with the halogent headlights didn't, almost looks like the lens focuses the light energy in such a way to cause the distinct burn marks, I thought perhaps it was the DRL being on all the time that accelerated this issue.

I was happy to get a Litronic headlight car, but even then I can see a faint pattern inside the front cover of both lenses to show the mark the light beam had projected onto the inside surface of the lens cover.

Gator996

What are the best recommended wattage bulbs for these cars?

francars

This is VERY true.

ivangene

Bill... my guess is YES...run stock bulbs or be really sorry you got the brighter ones.. I have seen those bright bulbs burn right thru the inner lens (owned a set, bought for $25!!! those are the ones I tried to fix because they had about 5k miles and otherwise pristine!)

wyovino

Thanks. I meant "Silverstar" but I think the answer is the same. I'll put the originals back. It's a shame because they really are brighter. I haven't done much night driving, so I think any damage so far is minimal.

ivangene

I love the silverstars (in my truck)

someone posted some info a while ago regarding brighter lights in the halogen assy's that were not hotter bulbs, think they were HID with a converter? but the debate rather the lens was adaptable to the bulb made me think the jury was still out....some said brighter but less usable light?

anyhow....what cheap *** bean counter thought plastic lens next to a heat source made any sense...er was it the weight factor?

AckyE

I have this issue on my MY99. Looks pretty ugly. And it was originally registered in Canada, so it shows temp, mileage data in KM. I am not that much of a fanatic (YET) so I will keep opn driving it. Just replaced the bulbs recently, got em from Advance Auto. Good luck with your replacement project.

I was quite amazed how easy it is to change these out and change the light bulbs.